PENAMPANG, Aug 12, 2026 — Sabah Deputy Chief Minister III and Minister of Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport Datuk Ewon Benedick said the country’s development requires the cooperation and participation of all Malaysians, regardless of background, race, religion, language or culture.

He said National Month programmes such as the Kembara Merdeka Jalur Gemilang (KMJG) not only served to strengthen patriotic spirit but also fostered a sense of togetherness and cooperation among communities.

“Malaysia belongs to all of us, and each of us has a role and responsibility to make Malaysia a country that provides its people with opportunities to build a comfortable life.

“Without unity, harmony and mutual understanding among Malaysians from diverse ethnic, religious, linguistic and cultural backgrounds, it would certainly be difficult for us to build and develop the country,” he said.

Ewon said this when met by reporters after launching the 2026 National Day and Sabah Day celebrations at the Penampang district level at Buhavan Square here today.

According to Ewon, participation in the Kembara Merdeka Jalur Gemilang at the district level involved not only government departments and agencies but also various segments of society, including organisations, community leaders, traders and hawkers at Tamu Donggongon, as well as business premises owners.

He said the involvement of people from different walks of life reflected the spirit of togetherness that was essential to building a peaceful, harmonious and progressive nation.

“I believe programmes such as this can instil a sense of belonging and patriotism among Malaysians from all walks of life and communities, whether they serve in the government, run their own businesses or work in various sectors.

“I see this spirit of togetherness in Penampang today, and I pray that this unity can be maintained forever,” he said.

Meanwhile, Ewon welcomed greater participation by young people in programmes and initiatives held in conjunction with National Month, including efforts to give meaning to independence through activities that promote economic progress, intellectual development, positive spirit and cooperation.

He said youths had a major responsibility to continue the legacy of independence passed down by previous generations.

“Young people today enjoy the country’s development after independence, and naturally they need to think about what their role should be.

“Their responsibility and role are very significant in continuing the legacy of independence by contributing through activities that promote economic advancement, intellectual growth, positive spirit and cooperation among youths from different ethnic, religious and cultural backgrounds,” he said.

Ewon also stressed that relationships and bonds among youths from diverse backgrounds must continue to be strengthened to ensure that social harmony could be passed on to future generations.

“If young people cannot strengthen ties among themselves despite differences in ethnic, linguistic and cultural backgrounds, it will not be easy for the country to move forward.

“That is why we organise National Month and Independence Month celebrations such as this — to instil among young people the values passed down by the nation’s founding fathers and the architects of independence.

“When they become adults, they will have a great responsibility to pass these values on to their children and the next generation,” he said.

Ewon said youth participation in National Day programmes should therefore continue to be encouraged, not merely as participants in celebrations, but as a generation that plays an active role in shaping and strengthening the nation’s future.