Ewon (front third left) shares a laugh with Penampang folk. On Ewon’s right is Moyog assemblyman Datuk Donald Peter Mojuntin.
PENAMPANG (Aug 12): National development requires the cooperation and participation of all Malaysians, regardless of background, race, religion, language, or culture, said Datuk Ewon Benedick.
The Deputy Chief Minister III and Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport Minister said National Month programmes such as the Kembara Merdeka Jalur Gemilang not only serve as platforms to foster patriotic spirit, but also encourage a sense of belonging and cooperation among members of the community.
“This country 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 comfortable lives.
“Without unity, harmony, and understanding among people of diverse tribes, ethnicities, religions, languages, cultures, and customs, it would certainly not be easy for us to build and develop this country,” he told reporters after launching the 2026 Penampang District-level National Day and Sabah Day celebrations at Buhavan Square here.
Ewon said participation in the Kembara Merdeka Jalur Gemilang at the Penampang district level involved not only government departments and agencies, but also people from all walks of life, including organisations, community leaders, traders, and small business operators at Tamu Donggongon, as well as business owners.
He said the participation of people from various walks of life demonstrated the spirit of togetherness that is important in building a peaceful, harmonious, and progressive country.
“I believe programmes such as this can instil a sense of belonging and patriotic spirit among Malaysians from various 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 here in Penampang today and I pray that it can be maintained forever,” he said.
Ewon also welcomed the participation of youths in programmes and initiatives held in connection with National Month, including efforts to give meaning to independence through activities that contribute to economic and intellectual development, as well as fostering the spirit of cooperation.
He said youths had a major responsibility to continue the legacy of independence handed down by previous generations.
“Young people today enjoy the country’s development after independence and, of course, they need to think about what their role should be.
“Their responsibility and role are immense in continuing the legacy of independence by giving meaning to it through various activities aimed at advancing the economy, developing the mind and spirit, and fostering cooperation among youths from different tribes, ethnicities, religions, and cultures,” he said.
He also said relationships of youths from diverse backgrounds need to be further strengthened to ensure that social harmony could be passed on to future generations.
“If youths are unable to strengthen ties among themselves regardless of their tribal, linguistic, and ethnic backgrounds, it will not be easy for this country to move forward.
“That is why we hold National Month and Independence Month celebrations such as this, to instil in youths the values passed down by the fathers of independence and the founders of this country.
“When they grow up, they will have a major responsibility to pass these values on to their children and the next generation,” he said.