PETALING JAYA: Malaysians must work together as the nation is on the right track in the fight against Covid-19, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.

       “Similar to those who struggled for our nation’s independence, we must have the same spirit in working together as a Malaysian Family, irrespective of political affiliations, in fighting Covid-19 to revive the economy for the interest of the rakyat and nation,” he said in a National Day message posted on Facebook yesterday night.

       The MCA president also noted that the nation was still not completely free from the pandemic despite having been at war with it for almost two years now, especially with the emergence of new variants.

       “As such, we are on the right track with the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme, which has been going more smoothly than what was initially planned.

       “More Malaysians have received their vaccine doses, which is helping us build herd immunity,” he added.

       Dr Wee, who is also Transport Minister, said it was the effort shared among the people that had shaped Malaysia into the free and harmonious nation that it is today.

       Former Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, in his National Day wish, called on Malaysians to remember the struggles of the founding fathers in achieving freedom for the country.

       He added that Malaysians must persevere in facing even bigger challenges posed by the pandemic through cooperation and togetherness.

       “I pray that our country will continue to be developed and be successful in the future.

       “Ya Allah, bless this country and give us the strength to march forward as a prosperous nation,” he said on Facebook.

       PAS president Datuk Seri Hadi Awang, in his National Day message posted on social media, said Islam had brought a message of peace to all of humanity, regardless of their religion.

       “The principle that says there is no force in religion is fair to all and among the most important matters as it gives a deeper meaning to the independence that we have as a diverse society.

       “Hence, we must be compassionate in empowering Islam and leading the country in our efforts to achieve our goal of providing harmonious society,” he said.

       Meanwhile, PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said all Malaysians must give meaning to the independence they had been entrusted with.

       “Independence is a huge endowment that we must give meaning to with spirit and democratic procedure, upholding of the principles of justice, civility and mutual respect, including efforts to allow economic freedom for all,” he added.

       Stalwart DAP leader Lim Kit Siang called on all Malaysians, regardless of race, religion, region or politics, to unite to win the war against the Covid-19 pandemic once and for all.