PUTRAJAYA — Young Malaysians gathered at Dataran Putrajaya to mark National Day expressed a collective desire to protect the nation’s unity, harmony, and independence for future generations. The event brought together youths from diverse backgrounds who emphasized the importance of preserving Malaysia’s multicultural identity as a foundation for continued stability and prosperity.

Among those interviewed at the parade was 23-year-old Thavamalar Sivalingam, who underscored the significance of national unity. “It’s not just for us but for later generations, including our children. We must all work together to preserve this. There should be nothing coming between us and hampering our national unity,” she said.

Similarly, 24-year-olds Nadia Mohd Arshad and Anis Aliaa Mohd Asri highlighted the need to uphold Malaysia’s independence alongside its unity and harmony. They stressed that safeguarding these values must remain a continuous effort.

Freelance media professional Yuki Goh, also 24, reflected on National Day as a celebration of Malaysia’s diversity. Attending the parade for the second year in a row, Goh noted, “Seeing the people coming together is a very heartwarming sight.” She wore a red cheongsam to the event, symbolizing her Malaysian Chinese heritage and identity.

University student Wan Anum Wan Aziz, 22, who attended with her sister and nieces experiencing the event in person for the first time, described the atmosphere as exhilarating and markedly different from online portrayals. “To us, celebrating independence reflects how we are free from any foreign rule, and we want Malaysia to continue being that way,” she said, expressing hope for ongoing national unity and harmony.

The gathering at Dataran Putrajaya exemplifies how younger Malaysians view National Day not solely as a day of celebration but as a reminder of their responsibility to sustain the country’s freedom and multicultural fabric amid the challenges of a changing world.