Government Considers RM5 Million Grant to Revive National Leaders’ Memorials and Strengthen Unity
KOTA KINABALU: The federal government is considering allocating a RM5 million matching grant under Budget 2027 to revive 10 National Leaders’ Memorials across Malaysia as part of efforts to preserve the legacy of the country’s founding figures and strengthen national unity.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the initiative would ensure that the contributions and sacrifices of past leaders remain relevant and accessible to future generations.
According to him, iconic figures such as Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, the late Tun Mustapha Harun and the late Tun Fuad Stephens came from different ethnic and regional backgrounds, yet shared a common vision of building a united and prosperous nation.
Anwar said these leaders might not have been scholars in the modern sense of the word, but they possessed extraordinary patriotism and a deep understanding of nation-building.
“When I study their backgrounds, I see leaders who loved this country deeply.
“They represented different communities and ethnic groups, some of them relatively small, but they had a broad vision of how Malaysians could live together in harmony and share a common sense of belonging,” he said.
He was speaking at the opening ceremony of the National Unity Week 2026 celebration at the Likas Sports Complex in Kota Kinabalu yesterday.
The Prime Minister said reviving the memorials would not merely involve preserving buildings or historical artefacts, but also creating vibrant spaces where Malaysians could learn about the nation’s history and the values that shaped it.
“These memorials should not simply be museums filled with old exhibits.
“They should become living institutions where people, especially the younger generation, can appreciate the struggles and ideals of the leaders who helped shape Malaysia,” he said.
Anwar stressed that understanding history is essential for strengthening national identity and ensuring that the spirit of unity continues to flourish.
He said the country’s founders clearly understood the importance of social cohesion and worked tirelessly to foster harmony among Malaysians despite their differences.
According to him, modern Malaysians must continue that legacy by embracing mutual respect and rejecting divisive rhetoric.
“Unity brings stability, and stability is the foundation of economic growth.
“But because we have lived peacefully for so long, there are times when we forget that unity cannot be taken for granted,” he said.
The Prime Minister warned that certain groups might attempt to exploit racial or social differences to create divisions within society.
As such, he urged Malaysians to remain vigilant and continue nurturing the values of tolerance, understanding and shared responsibility.
“We cannot afford to be complacent.
“Unity will only remain strong if we continue to cultivate it and resist any attempts to divide our society,” he said.
Anwar also expressed appreciation to the Ministry of National Unity for its continuous efforts to promote harmony through various programmes and community initiatives nationwide.
In addition, he announced a RM10,000 activity grant for each of the 189 Rukun Negara Secretariats at higher education institutions throughout the country.
The grants will be used to organise programmes related to nation-building, patriotism and unity among university students.
The government will also provide RM5,000 grants to 6,849 Rukun Negara Clubs in schools nationwide to encourage students to understand and practise the principles of the Rukun Negara from an early age.
Anwar said nurturing unity must begin at a young age so future generations can appreciate the importance of living together peacefully in a multicultural society.
“If we want Malaysia to remain peaceful and prosperous, unity must always be protected.
“That is the most valuable legacy we can leave behind for future generations,” he said.
