By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Aug 31: The previous generation fought to give us a free country, which means that the current generation bears the responsibility to determine where Malaysia will be taken next.
In a Facebook post, Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture Dato Sri Tiong King Sing said this in response to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s National Day 2026 message, which reminded Malaysians that the journey to building the nation is never complete, and that every generation has its own responsibility to carry out.
“From Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, and Sarawak, we build a Malaysia that stands on the strength of a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural and multi-racial society. This is what we must continue to uphold.
“As emphasided by the Prime Minister, the spirit of independence demands that we continue to build the nation, correct weaknesses and uphold the justice and freedom of our country.
“In an increasingly uncertain world, the security and harmony we enjoy cannot be considered something that will remain on its own. Every Malaysian has a role to play in safeguarding it,” he said.
Tiong, who is also Bintulu MP and Dudong assemblyman, also acknowledged that while the people’s hope in the government is understandably high, not all matters can be resolved overnight, and that there are still shortcomings that need to be fixed.
“The government is always listening, correcting weaknesses, and ensuring that the development and progress of the country truly reach the people, including the communities in Sabah and Sarawak,” he said.
Meanwhile, in a separate post containing his own National Day 2026 message, he said that Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026), gives Malaysians the opportunity to rediscover their country and appreciate its natural beauty and cultural heritage which must be preserved.
“Throughout this year, the tourism sector has brought more visitors to Malaysia and at the same time, it has brought together communities from different places. The presence of tourists not only boosts the country’s economy, but also opens up opportunities, experiences, and new perspectives. When tourism grows not only in big cities, but also in small towns, rural areas, and local communities, it simultaneously boosts local economic growth,” he said.
He went on to say that Malaysia’s uniqueness is more than its big cities as there is much to explore in other states like Penang, Perak, and Terengganu, including the natural surroundings of Sarawak and Sabah.
“We want tourism to continue to grow in more places, so that more communities, businesses, and locals can enjoy the opportunities that come with it.
“Independence gives us the freefom to determine our own direction, but at the same time reminds us that we have a responsibility to continue building the country.
“Let us appreciate what we have, preserve our culture and homeland, and continue to move forward together so that Malaysia can move with more confidence and further,” he said. — DayakDaily
