TAMBUNAN: Citizens must take an active role in preserving national unity, especially in multicultural Sabah, to safeguard Malaysia’s independence and support national progress, said Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey G Kitingan.
Speaking at the launch of the district-level “Kembara Merdeka Jalur Gemilang” (KMJG) at Kampung Kepayan Lama Community Hall on Sunday, Jeffrey emphasised that unity is the cornerstone of Malaysia’s diverse society.
“As we know, Malaysian society lives in a multicultural environment where unity is essential for achieving our objectives — whether economic success or public wellbeing,” said Jeffrey, who is also the State Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry.
He stressed that every citizen bears a shared responsibility in maintaining unity as a “fortress” to protect the nation’s independence and to help propel Malaysia toward developed, high-income status.
While major ethnic conflicts are absent, he warned that recurring minor incidents could still harm national harmony.
“These matters cannot be ignored. They can create an unhealthy environment in our multicultural society,” he said, calling for broader community participation — particularly from the youth — in programmes like KMJG to deepen patriotism during National Month.
During the event, Jeffrey and Sabah Information Department Director Jainisah Mohd Noor — who also leads the KMJG 2025 convoy — distributed the “Jalur Gemilang” and Sabah state flags to traders and visitors at the Tamu Toboh grounds.
Meanwhile in SOOK, Deputy Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup urged the public not to be swayed by divisive narratives that threaten unity between Sabah and Peninsular Malaysia.
“Every action we take should strengthen unity, not cause division,” he said during the launch of the KMJG convoy for the Sook district at Kampung Kapayan Baru.
He stressed that unity must be preserved for the country to continue progressing and to pass on harmony to future generations.
“With regional instability in parts of Asean, we must stand united to maintain peace in our own country. As this year’s Asean Chair, Malaysia must set a strong example of unity as a sovereign nation,” he added.
Arthur also commended the Ministry of Communications and the Sabah Information Department (JaPeN) for selecting Kampung Kapayan Baru as a flag-off location for KMJG.
“These programmes ignite the spirit of independence across all layers of society — urban or rural — and play a vital role in strengthening unity,” he said, noting the importance of youth involvement in carrying forward the nation’s vision.
During the event, Arthur also took part in an environmental initiative by releasing fish fry into Sungai Pegalan to help preserve local heritage resources.
