LABUAN — Unity, patriotism and close cooperation between the government and the community are vital to ensuring Labuan continues to develop as a progressive, prosperous and peaceful Federal Territory, said Labuan Corporation Chief Executive Officer Rithuan Mohd Ismail.
He said a united community that respected one another and upheld love for the country was a valuable asset to the development of Labuan and Malaysia as a whole.
“This is the strength we have in Labuan. When the government, community leaders and the people work together, many things can be achieved for the benefit of the community,” he said.
Rithuan said this when officiating the closing ceremony of the Kembara Merdeka Jalur Gemilang X JAGO 2026 programme at Balai Raya Kampung Belukut here on Aug 30.
He said programmes such as Kembara Merdeka Jalur Gemilang served as an effective platform to strengthen ties between the government and the people, while fostering patriotism and unity among the community.
Rithuan said the programme also reflected the spirit of togetherness and cooperation among government agencies, community leaders and residents, which was important in ensuring development and public well-being agendas could be implemented effectively.
He said Labuan Corporation remained committed to working with various parties to ensure Labuan continued to grow as a developed, prosperous and safe territory, with a united community living in peace and harmony.
Touching on this year’s National Day and Malaysia Day theme, “Malaysia MADANI: Kesejahteraan Dinikmati”, he said well-being should not be viewed solely in terms of economic progress, but should also encompass community well-being, social harmony and stronger unity.
He said the close bonds among Kampung Belukut residents, demonstrated through community activities involving people of all ages, reflected the spirit of the theme.
Rithuan also called on Malaysians to continue flying the Jalur Gemilang as a symbol of national sovereignty, unity and love for the country.
He said the nation’s independence and prosperity today were achieved through the sacrifices and struggles of previous generations and should therefore be appreciated and passed on to future generations.
He urged the community to preserve harmony, respect diversity and strengthen unity, saying differences in background, culture and experience should not divide Malaysians, who stood under one flag, one country and one national identity.
Rithuan also called on the public, particularly youths, to reject negative elements including the exploitation of sensitive racial, religious and Royal Institution issues, the spread of false information, cyberbullying and drug abuse.
He urged young people to become knowledgeable, competitive and resilient, while playing an active role in shaping the country’s future.
The programme, organised by the Labuan Information Department, also received the participation and support of government agencies, Kampung Belukut residents, Komuniti MADANI, community leaders, non-governmental organisations and media partners.
Rithuan subsequently officially closed the Kembara Merdeka Jalur Gemilang X JAGO 2026, which was held in conjunction with the National Day and Malaysia Day celebrations in the Federal Territory of Labuan.
Also present were Labuan Information Department director Ruddyansjah Mahtar Hams, RTM Labuan deputy director Howard Martin Kim Sung @ Cornelius, and Labuan district police chief Supt Wan Mohd Firdaus Wan Zaki.
