Officiating the 62nd Malaysia Day celebrations today at the Picca Convention Centre here, Anwar also said Malaysians must reject narrow-minded “regionalism” to safeguard the nation’s sovereignty.

“It must be ensured that racial extremism, religious fanaticism, tribalism, and narrow regionalism are eradicated to guarantee the continuity of our sovereign and independent nation,” he said.

Anwar added that independence was not merely about replacing colonial administrators with locals while retaining their oppressive systems.

“We did not seek independence only to replace James Brooke with Malay, Dayak, Kadazan, Chinese or Indian leaders while maintaining the same system, allowing them to use power to plunder wealth with greed.”

He urged leaders at both federal and state levels to ensure good governance and economic inclusivity, drawing lessons from colonial exploitation.

The prime minister also said Malaysia must pursue growth through technology, green industries, and innovation, without losing sight of its cultural and ethical values.

“We do not want to advance in the same way as Western nations. We want economic progress, but with culture and moral values held high.”