Wan Azizah: True Merdeka goes beyond flags to shared duty, unity
KUALA LUMPUR: Independence must be appreciated as a shared responsibility to preserve the country's peace, unity and harmony, said Prime Minister's wife Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail emphasized that the celebration of Malaysia's Independence Day should embody more than just jubilation and the display of flags; it should symbolize a collective duty to maintain the nation's peace, unity, and harmony. She underscored that independence is a manifestation of the sacrifices and struggles of previous generations who forged a sovereign Malaysia.
Dr Wan Azizah, who represents Bandar Tun Razak, reiterated this perspective at the Semarak Merdeka Programme, a gathering that also featured her political secretary, Datuk Azman Abidin. The theme for this year's National Day, "Malaysia Madani: Jiwa Merdeka," aligns with initiatives to elevate the populace's quality of life, ensure equal opportunities, and fortify national unity.
Dr Wan Azizah highlighted Bandar Tun Razak's population of approximately 191,000, which is composed of 60% Malays, 24% Chinese, and 8% Indians, as emblematic of a vibrant and harmonious community, based on data from the Malaysian Population and Housing Census. Following the event, the Prime Minister's wife visited three households at the Seri Pulau Pinang and Desa Tun Razak People's Housing Projects (PPR) to bestow gifts from the Social Security Organisation (Socso) and the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Council (Maiwp).
K. Moganavalli, a 39-year-old full-time housewife, was one such recipient. Her husband, Edwin Anthony Dass, passed away unexpectedly on August 2, leaving her to care for their three young children. Moganavalli received a one-time Funeral Management Benefit of RM3,000, a monthly Survivor's Pension of RM1,118.33 from Socso, and Kotak Prihatin aid.
Another beneficiary, Khalijah Binti Nazir, a 64-year-old single mother with a hearing-impaired child, receives RM800 monthly in Baitulmal assistance, RM300 via Boost eWallet, and RM150 under the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara). Her son receives RM100 monthly in Sara assistance.
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