Highlighting the Spirit of Malaysia MADANI – A Caring and Inclusive Nation
Edited by Anna Popper
On 30 August 2025, the Embassy of Malaysia in Budapest marked two important milestones – the 68th National Day (Independence Day – Merdeka Day) and the 62nd Malaysia Day – with a Malaysia Madani Gathering at the Marriott Hotel Budapest.
In line with the 2025 Merdeka theme, “Malaysia MADANI: Rakyat Disantuni” (Malaysia MADANI: A Nation That Cares, A Nation for the People), the event embodied the vision of Malaysia’s future, celebrating the nation’s values of unity, inclusivity, and civic responsibility.
The event was attended by Malaysian nationals with their families residing in Hungary, members of the diplomatic corps from ASEAN countries, and friends of this vibrant multicultural country in South-East Asia. The event reflected not only the pride and solidarity of Malaysians abroad, but also their enduring bonds to their homeland.
A Symbolic Countdown to Merdeka
Timed to start at 6:00 p.m. local time – midnight in Malaysia – the event symbolically counted down to Merdeka, as announced by one of the speakers, commemorating the nation’s historic independence from British rule on 31 August 1957.
As the other speaker introduced, the evening began with the national anthem, Negaraku (My Country), sung in unison by Malaysians from across Hungary. This moving moment of shared patriotism, far from home yet deeply rooted in national identity, set the tone for the festive occasion.
Words of Encouragement
In her remarks, Ms. Vanitha Gopalakrishnan, Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of Malaysia in Hungary, expressed her heartfelt appreciation to the Malaysian community for their achievements in Hungary, particularly in the fields of education, professional employment, and cultural exchange.
She encouraged her compatriots to remain proud of their homeland and underlined that such occasions not only commemorate national milestones but also strengthen unity and solidarity among Malaysians abroad.
In closing, she emphasized: “No matter where we are, the spirit of Merdeka lives within us. As Malaysians abroad, we carry our nation’s values with pride, and together we contribute to building a Malaysia that is caring, inclusive, and respected worldwide.”
A Taste of Home
The reception, following the official commemoration, carried the soul of Malaysia with a generous offering of traditional delicacies – satay, rendang, mee goreng, ayam percik, kerabu, and spring rolls. These beloved dishes evoked their rich gastronomic heritage, bringing comfort and a sense of home, while also representing the cultural diversity that unites Malaysians.
Ambang Merdeka on the Danube
As part of the Ambang Merdeka (Eve of Independence) tradition, guests then embarked on a Danube River cruise aboard the Legenda. Against the glittering backdrop of Budapest’s skyline, Malaysians celebrated independence together, waving flags and blending their national traditions with the beauty of the illuminated monuments of Hungary’s capital. The atmosphere of joy and solidarity transcended geographical distance, symbolising the unity of Malaysians worldwide.
The Spirit of Malaysia MADANI 2025
Malaysia MADANI is a vision, framework, and national slogan, introduced as a policy by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in 2023.
This acronym encapsulates six core values:
M – keMampanan (Sustainability)
A – kesejAhteraan (Prosperity)
D – Daya cipta (Innovation)
A – hormAt (Respect)
N – keyakiNan (Trust)
I – Ihsan (Compassion)
Together, these principles guide Malaysia towards sustainable development, good governance, and the harmonious coexistence of its multi-ethnic society.
Malaysia is home to people of diverse cultural, religious, and linguistic backgrounds, living together in peace, tolerance, and mutual respect – a model of multicultural unity that continues to inspire Malaysians at home and abroad. Today, Malaysia has a population of around 34 million people, living in 13 states and three federal territories, spread across the Malaysian peninsula and the northern regions of Borneo Island.
2025 marks a pivotal year for Malaysia, which started with its tenure as Chair of ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) in January, under the guiding theme of “Inclusivity and Sustainability.”
Established in 1967, ASEAN is a major regional organization comprising 10 member countries.
Unity Beyond Borders
The event brought together Malaysians from all walks of life across Hungary to observe Merdeka and Malaysia Day. It was a testament to the enduring unity, togetherness, and pride of the local Malaysian community, highlighting the strong bonds of identity, culture, and shared values that continue to inspire Malaysians around the world in their common vision for a brighter future.
Source: Embassy of Malaysia, Budapest
Photos from the Embassy of Malaysia in Budapest and Diplomatic Press Agency
