KUALA LUMPUR,: Malaysians must adopt the same sheet spirit of unity that was adopted by their forefathers, when they fought for the nation’s independence, in fighting the Covid-19 pandemic and to get out of it, eventually, said Tan Sri T.C Goh, President of the Federation of Chinese Associations Malaysia (Huazong).

He underscored that, it has become more urgent and crucial for Malaysians of all races to adopt such a spirit amidst the pandemic, in order to preserve our hard-earned glory.

“In the past, our forefathers’ mettle and unity allowed us to secure independence of our nation from colonial rule, as well as successfully defended our nation from foreign invasion; today, we must all adopt the same spirit of unity and patriotism in combating our ‘invisible enemy’ which is the Covid-19. Hopefully, by adopting such a spirit, we could get out of this devastating pandemic, soonest possible, and regain our prosperity,” he said this in his message issued today, in conjunction with the 64th National Day celebration.

Goh who is also President of the Federation of Chinese Associations Sabah (FCAS) noted that including this year, Malaysia has been celebrating its National Day amidst the pandemic for two years, since its outbreak in late 2019. He acknowledged that despite the devastation which it has brought upon the world, Malaysia included, it is nonetheless something that we must deal with and overcome with great mettle.

He lamented that the pandemic has devastated the entire world, our country included, where our national economy has been adversely affected and a vast majority of the people and businesses are currently suffering and struggling to stay afloat.

He went on to note that, while this year’s national day theme remains the same as last year’s theme – ‘Malaysia Prihatin’ (Malaysia Cares), it nonetheless marks the begins of a new chapter for the nation, with the swearing-in of the new Cabinet led by the 9th prime minister of Malaysia, Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, on 30 August, the eve of the National Day celebration.

“Interestingly, the ‘Malaysia Prihatin’ national day theme also fits in well with the ‘Malaysian Family’ concept introduced by our prime minister, Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, where both are promoting the noble spirit of unity and inclusiveness, which is absolutely important for a young democracy and fast-developing country like Malaysia,” he said.

Besides this, Goh also hopes the government could strive to stay close to the people’s aspirations in governing the country, adding that it is especially crucial for the government to ensure political stability, and to strive to introduce policies and plans that would truly benefit the people and businesses, in line with the “Malaysian Family” concept.-pr/BNN