Kuala Lumpur: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim emphasized that workers are the primary driving force behind the creation of a great and competitive nation. He highlighted that every individual, regardless of their workplace-be it factories, government departments, clinics, schools, or police stations-plays a crucial role in fostering change and achieving national prosperity.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar addressed these points in a special message during the 2025 National Labour Day celebration at the Axiata Arena, Bukit Jalil. He underscored the challenges facing the nation, including international crises such as the situation in Palestine and the unpredictable global political landscape influenced by major powers like the United States. Despite these challenges, Anwar expressed optimism that the nation can advance if everyone works diligently and with commitment, holding strong to values of sincerity and national faith.
The Prime Minister reaffirmed the MADANI Government’s commitment to elevate the dignity of workers across the country, irrespective of racial, ethnic, or religious backgrounds. He urged workers to resist divisive elements rooted in racial and political differences, which could impede productivity and services.
Anwar assured, “I and the government are committed to defending the fate of all workers. Although the majority are Malays, the well-being of Chinese, Indian, Dayak, and Kadazan-Dusun children cannot be marginalized. We will treat workers at all levels fairly.”
The Labour Day celebration, themed ‘Pekerja Kesuma Bangsa,’ attracted over 10,000 workers from both the public and private sectors. Prime Minister Anwar also launched the MADANI Workers card and the MyFutureJobs smartphone application at the event.
Notable attendees included Deputy Prime Ministers Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, Human Resources Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong, and Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, alongside other Cabinet ministers. Senior governmental figures such as Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, secretaries-general of ministries, and heads of agencies, including Bernama’s chief executive officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin, were also present.
The event celebrated the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) as the recipient of the Best Media Award (Agency), among 12 other awards presented in categories recognizing workers, employers, unions, media, and contingents. A highlight of the celebration was the debut of the song ‘Solidariti Perjuangan,’ performed by Steven Sim, as a tribute to the nation’s workforce.