Malaysians must instil the spirit of patriotism and reject all elements of sedition, slander and corruption that can disrupt national harmony, Communications and Multimedia Minister Gobind Singh Deo said.

He said in line with the theme of this year’s Malaysia Day celebration, '‘Sayangi Malaysiaku: Malaysia Bersih (Love Our Malaysia: A Clean Malaysia)”, the government hoped to instil a love for the country amongst the people and to inculcate the spirit of togetherness and unity among all Malaysians.

"We must maintain the harmony and unity that have long been fostered since Independence.

“We should appreciate the sacrifices that have been made by past freedom fighters and their efforts in building a nation that is economically and socially successful," he said in a video clip that was screened for the 2019 Malaysia Day celebration held at Stadium Perpaduan, Petra Jaya in Kuching tonight.

He said the principles of the Rukun Negara, which embodied noble values based on peace, prosperity, unity, loyalty to the king and country, tolerance for one another and patriotism, called for the people to live together in harmony.

"With the new government administration and strong efforts by the people, Malaysia will continue to prosper towards becoming a high-income country," he said.

Gobind also hoped that the spirit of celebrating National Day and Malaysia Day would foster greater unity among the people of all races.

“Together, let us forge ahead towards a progressive and prosperous country,” he added.

The Malaysia Day celebration, officiated by Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, is being held for the first time in Sarawak since Pakatan Harapan took over the federal government.

Also present at the event were the Yang Di-Pertua Negeri of Sarawak, Abdul Taib Mahmud and his wife, Toh Puan Ragad Kurdi Taib.