MALAYSIA’s strength lies not in being the same, but in its ability to bring people of different backgrounds together at “one shared table”, said Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.
Speaking at the North Malaysia Malayali Samajam (NMMS) Merdeka and Onam Celebrations 2026 at SJKC Shang Wu here today, Chow said the joint celebration of the country’s 69th Merdeka Day and Onam reflected the values Malaysia should continue to uphold, dignity, mutual respect, unity and a shared sense of belonging.
He said that while Merdeka commemorates Malaysia’s journey as an independent nation and Onam celebrates the rich heritage of the Malayali community, both occasions convey a shared message of building a society where everyone has a place and a stake in the nation’s future.
“Different traditions. Different identities. But one shared table and one shared future.
“That, to me, is the Malaysia we should continue to build,” he said.
Chow said this year’s National Day theme, “Malaysia MADANI: Kesejahteraan Dinikmati”, emphasised that shared wellbeing went beyond economic growth, stressing the importance of respecting every community, creating opportunities for every generation and ensuring every Malaysian felt included.
He noted that the spirit of Onam, associated with peace, equality, generosity and shared prosperity, was also reflected in NMMS’ own history.
In 1951, members of the Malayali community in Penang gathered to celebrate Onam and Hari Raya Haji together, before the Samajam was formally established in 1952. Its first annual general meeting was held on Aug 31 that year.
“For more than seven decades, you have preserved Malayali culture and traditions, while also contributing to the wider community through cultural activities, heritage programmes and charitable work.
“This is important because our diversity is strongest when communities do not simply preserve their traditions, but share them,” Chow said.
He said Penang’s diversity was not merely something celebrated during festivals, but experienced daily through its neighbourhoods, food, places of worship and communities.
However, he stressed that harmony could not be taken for granted and must be continuously built, nurtured and protected.
Chow said the state government would continue to support platforms such as Harmonico and the Penang Harmony Corporation, as well as programmes promoting interfaith and intercultural understanding.
He also cited this year’s George Town Heritage Celebrations themed “Kongsi Cerita”, which brought together more than 50 community partners to share their stories, traditions and practices.
“We do not need to become the same to live together. We need the maturity to respect our differences, the confidence to preserve our identities, and the willingness to build a future together,” he said.
Meanwhile, NMMS president Sumathi Nair said this year’s theme, “Othruma”, meaning unity, reflected the essence of the organisation and its long-standing efforts to bring the community together.
She said Merdeka represented the country Malaysians proudly call home, while Onam served as a reminder of their roots, culture and traditions passed down through generations.
“As Malaysians of Malayali heritage, we are very fortunate to have Malaysia as our home because Malaysia is where many of us were born, where we grew up, where we raise our children and where we built our lives.
“At the same time, we have also been able to hold on to the traditions and culture that make us who we are,” she said.
Sumathi said NMMS was particularly focused on engaging younger generations, ensuring they understood their heritage while growing up as proud Malaysians who appreciated and respected the country’s many cultures.
She also expressed hope that the Penang Government could extend assistance to NMMS to help strengthen its programmes and enable the organisation to do more for the community and younger generation.
All Malaysia Malayali Association (AMMA) president Datin Seri Shaila V, meanwhile, praised NMMS for its strong commitment to unity and for bringing together Merdeka and Onam in a meaningful celebration.
She said the occasion demonstrated that Malaysians could preserve their cultural heritage while embracing their identity as Malaysians.
“Onam is all about togetherness, unity, culture, family, and most importantly, gratitude,” she said, while also thanking NMMS for its support for AMMA’s silver jubilee celebrations, Unity Fund drive and Youth Connect programme.
Shaila also congratulated Sumathi, organising chairman Datuk Ashok Kumar and the organising committee for their efforts in making the celebration a success.
As families and community members gathered to celebrate with traditional festivities and the Onam Sadhya, the occasion served as a reminder that Malaysia’s diversity is not a barrier to unity, but one of its greatest strengths.
Also present earlier was state Housing and Environment Committee chairman Datuk Seri Sundarajoo Somu, and All Malaysia Malayali Association (AMMA) patron and AMMA Koperasi Malayali Malaysia Berhad chairman Tan Sri Ravindran Menon.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix & video by Siew Chia En