He said Sarawak would continue to hold fast to the vow to be together in Malaysia and develop based on the terms enshrined in the Federal Constitution, the Malaysia Agreement 1963 and the Inter-Governmental Committee Report.

He said Malaysia Day is a very important historical moment that is celebrated together to honour the struggle of past leaders and the people, who overcame various challenges to achieve their desire to be a free, sovereign and united country.

“Armed with nationalistic spirit and patriotism, Sarawakians of various ethnicities, religions and social backgrounds, will surely hold the theme of this year’s Malaysia Day, Keluarga Malaysia, Teguh Bersama, in high regard.”

A video of his speech was broadcast at the Malaysia Day celebrations held here tonight.

Sabah chief minister Hajiji Noor, in his broadcast speech, said the theme of the celebration had emphasised the unity of the multiracial and multi-religious society in Sabah that lives in harmony, united in peace, togetherness and gratitude.

Malaysia Day celebrations are being held in the peninsula for the first time, with Melaka as the host. The celebrations previously alternated between Sabah and Sarawak.

Melaka chief minister Sulaiman Md Ali said the people of Melaka had always practised an open and pragmatic policy on race and religion.

“In fact, these practices began in the days of the Melaka sultanate,” he said in his video broadcast.