# Aaron urges unity above difference

> On Malaysia Day, Aaron Ago Dagang called shared national identity the foundation for Malaysia’s peace and future.
- Title: Aaron urges unity above difference · Malay Mail | Shortify
- Summary: On Malaysia Day, Aaron Ago Dagang called shared national identity the foundation for Malaysia’s peace and future. Malaysia’s unity depends on treating…
- Keywords: aaron ago dagang, malaysia day, national unity ministry, malaysia, kuala lumpur, national identity, racial differences, religious differences, sabah, sarawak, tunku abdul rahman, cobbold commission
- Source: Malay Mail — https://malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/09/16/national-interests-must-transcend-racial-religious-differences-says-aaron/235369
- Published: 2026-09-16T09:23:57+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: aaron ago dagang, malaysia day, national unity ministry, malaysia, kuala lumpur, national identity, racial differences, religious differences, sabah, sarawak, tunku abdul rahman, cobbold commission
## Put Malaysia first
Aaron Ago Dagang said Malaysians must strengthen belonging and shared identity, with national interests placed above race, religion and region.

> national interests surpassing racial, religious and regional differences
## Unity keeps peace
The National Unity Minister linked respect, shared values and harmony to the country’s peace, stability and prosperity during the 63rd Malaysia Day celebration.

> preserving the unity and harmony
## Diversity is strength
Aaron described Malaysia’s races, religions, cultures, languages and customs as a national treasure, from the peninsula to Sabah and Sarawak.

> a treasure and strength of the nation
## One shared identity
He said Malaysians remain bound by one identity despite their differences, and that identity should guide the country’s future.

> we are Malaysians
## Built through talks
Malaysia’s formation on Sept 16, 1963, followed negotiation and understanding, starting with Tunku Abdul Rahman’s 1961 proposal.
## Many founders mattered
Aaron pointed to leaders including Abdul Razak Hussein, Fuad Stephens, Datu Mustapha, Jugah Anak Barieng and Stephen Kalong Ningkan as nation-building figures.
## Shared responsibility now
His Malaysia Day message closed by reminding citizens that the country belongs to everyone, and everyone has a duty to protect it.

> Malaysia belongs to all of us
## Key takeaway

Malaysia’s unity depends on treating national interest and shared identity as bigger than race, religion or region.