By Kok Jun Sern
Malaysia Day (Sept 16) is more than just a date. It is a reminder of who we are and what binds us together.
When I think about Malaysians, the same values come to mind: compassion, understanding, hospitality, and the ability to mediate. These are not just words. They are lived qualities that define us.
Think back to when Malaysia Airlines was once the pride of the nation, winning back-to-back awards as the best airline in the world. It wasn’t just about systems or marketing. It was about something uniquely Malaysian: warmth, patience, and the instinct to make people feel at ease.
The same values show up in how we deal with conflicts. Malaysians are natural mediators, always looking to calm tensions, find compromise, and move forward together. This isn’t just true in daily life; it’s also reflected in our nation’s approach.
Malaysia consistently pursues peace and dialogue in both foreign policy and domestic affairs. We emphasise diplomacy, negotiation, and multilateralism to achieve stability and foster a culture of peace.
This can be seen in our strong commitment to ASEAN peacebuilding initiatives, our international recognition for peace and safety, and our history of choosing diplomatic solutions over confrontation. That is not a weakness. That is a strength.
Yet, in today’s climate, these values are constantly tested. Some voices deliberately try to incite racial or religious divides, hoping to turn differences into anger. The danger is that we forget who we are. We forget that our greatest strength is not in being the same, but in how we embrace being different.
As Tunku Abdul Rahman once said:
“We are all Malaysians. This is the bond that unites us. Let us always remember that unity is our fundamental strength as a people and as a nation.”
That message is just as relevant today as it was decades ago.
Being Malaysian isn’t about big slogans or grand gestures. It shows up in the everyday things we do for each other.
Sharing food at the table, giving up a seat to someone older, and greeting strangers with a smile. These small actions carry a bigger message: life is richer when we make space for one another. And it goes beyond kindness; it is also about understanding each other.
Different backgrounds, languages, and beliefs don’t divide us when we choose to listen and respect. That’s what makes us uniquely Malaysian.
Being Malaysian is not just about waving the flag on Malaysia Day. It is about reviving our instinct to build bridges, not walls. It is about choosing respect over suspicion, kindness over hostility, empathy over ego.
We are uniquely Malaysian. We should be proud of it.
Harapan bangsa dan negara ada di tapak tangan kita.
Bangkitlah Malaysia!
Kok Jun Sern (linkedin.com/in/kokjunsern) is an Accredited Communications Coach who teaches how we can communicate with greater clarity
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