SIBU (Aug 31): Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department Dato Sri John Sikie Tayai said every Malaysian should instil strong spirit of ‘Jiwa Merdeka’ (Spirit of Independence).

He said someone with Jiwa Merdeka is seen as capable of building a strong identity, making them competitive and competence to excel globally.

“In facing today’s challenges, a generation with Jiwa Merdeka will always be ready to step out of the comfort zone – a barrier to progress and become a generation with determination and high confidence in their abilities to face challenges and always strive to improve themselves.

“We need continuous efforts to cultivate this Jiwa Merdeka among our people in this nation and it should start with educating our younger generation on the meaning of Jiwa Merdeka,” he said at the state-level National Day celebration at University of Technology Sarawak’s (UTS) Chancellor Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud’s Hall, here today.

According to him, this year’s National Day theme ‘Malaysia Madani: Jiwa Merdeka’ is to reflect Malaysia’s desire to create a holistic unity in a developing and progressive nation that encompasses a diverse, united, and strong-spirited population.

“It is an effort to build values of understanding and unity in diversity.

“The diversity of cultures, customs, and religions in the country is the main pillar in building a united and harmonious nation,” he said.

Sikie, who is also minister in charge of the state-level National Day celebration, said independence is a starting point to elevate the dignity of the country and its people.

He said it is not a final goal of forming a nation, but the beginning of achieving greater dreams – dreams that transcend the boundaries of religion, race, ethnicity, and even the social background of the society.

He said the people, especially youth, should have a high determination to continue the efforts to realise this inclusive dream.

According to him, globalisation posed challenges for a nation to remain strong in defending its sovereignty and to move forward.

“However, our independence will always be preserved if its people have Jiwa Merdeka, and collectively united to defend our nation’s independence,” he said.

Thus, he said, today’s celebration was aimed to instill a deep sense of awareness among the people, especially the younger generation, on the importance of patriotism and love for the country.

He said the programmes throughout the state-level National Day celebration and the month of August is not just from a symbolic perspective, but truly embodying the spirit of patriotism and love for the country.