‘Be proud of our heritage and achievements’
Standing united is key, says S’gor princess
PETALING JAYA: To Tengku Zatashah Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, being a Malaysian means being united and proud of the country and its people, our achievements and our heritage, as well as how far we have come as a nation.
And when it comes to the many rich facets of Malaysian culture, what warms the heart of the Selangor princess the most is the people.
Tengku Zatashah is fond of saying that Malaysia is unique because of its rich, multicultural melting pot of society, where we embrace and respect each other’s cultures, foods and traditions.
“This is my Malaysia. This is what makes us special,” she said, adding that Malaysians must continue to embrace this beauty and harmony.
“As a society, we must continue to respect and integrate with each other and not segregate – we must embrace our diversity and therefore, our different cultures, beliefs and traditions.”
Through her work and travels, Tengku Zatashah has met many different people but the trait that sets Malaysians apart, she said, is their warm, relaxed and hospitable nature.
She said her foreign friends loved living in Malaysia because they were warmly welcomed and included in the lives and activities of the locals.
“We like to share our food, culture and traditions with everyone,” she said.
Tengku Zatashah has a message for Malaysians who want to take their beloved country to greater heights: “Everyone can make a difference for the betterment of our country, no matter how big or small.”
Most importantly, as the nation gears up to celebrate six decades of independence, Tengku Zatashah urges fellow Malaysians to ignore divisive, segregationist and fear-stoking comments and to remind themselves how harmonious and united their country is.
“We must stand behind values such as unity, diversity, tolerance and compassion because that is what makes our country special and strong,” she said.
Tengku Zatashah, whose #sayno2plastic and #zerofoodwaste campaigns are the two other causes close to her heart, said she would also be at the SEA Games to support the country’s athletes.
“This will be a great moment of unity as we fly our flag proudly, cheering them on!”
Another great way of celebrating the country’s unity is to join the #AnakAnakMalaysia Walk 2017 at Dataran Kemerdekaan Shah Alam on Aug 27.
#AnakAnakMalaysia Walk is organised by Star Media Group Bhd in collaboration with Eco World Development Group Bhd.
There will also be a lucky draw, with prizes that include a Proton Iriz 1.6L Premium CVT, Gintell (M) Sdn Bhd De’Vano S Funtastic Sofa, Goodnite Exec Series 6” Achievement Mattress, Panasonic products, stays with PNB Perdana Hotel and Suites on the Park, Spin Pro B1.3 exercise bike from Healthy World Lifestyle, OTO e-Physio Plus EY-900P foot massager, Soleus GPS Sole running watch, and Kay Kay All Plant Sports Protein Powder by Inno Asia Distribution Sdn Bhd.
Sponsors include CIMB Foundation (Gold Sponsor), Panasonic (Silver Sponsor) and Proton (Car Sponsor).