The unity of peoples is the responsibility for a common future

National Unity Day is celebrated in Russia on Nov 4, a holiday that simultaneously addresses our history, present day and the future.

For Russia, which has developed a unique community of ethnic groups over the centuries, this holiday has a special value. It symbolises not only historical memory and patriotism but also the importance of realising everyone's responsibility for the fate of the country, its prosperity and the well-being of future generations.

A history lesson facing the future

The historical basis of the holiday was the events of 1612, when the people's militia led by merchant Kuzma Minin and Prince Dmitry Pozharsky liberated Moscow from foreign invaders during one of the most dramatic periods of Russian history – the Time of Troubles. Representatives of different classes and regions rallied to defend statehood, in the interests of overcoming internal divisions and restoring peace in their native land. This experience shows that in the most difficult moments in the history of states, it is not the differences between people that are crucial but what brings them together – love of the Motherland, a sense of duty, mutual support and a willingness to put common interests above private differences.

National unity is a strategic priority of Russia

Russia is a multi-national and multi-religious state in which representatives of more than 190 peoples and ethnic groups have lived for centuries. Each of them contributes to the common cultural heritage of the country, preserving their own languages, customs, artistic traditions and identity. At the same time, diversity does not exclude unity; on the contrary, it enriches it.

Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation, in his speeches, has repeatedly stressed the importance of strengthening interethnic harmony and unity and mutual respect between the peoples of Russia. In accordance with the Presidential Decree, 2026 has been declared the Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia, which underlines the strategic importance of this topic for the state and society.

Russia and Malaysia: diversity as the basis of national unity

Reflecting on the significance of National Unity Day, one cannot help but draw a parallel with Malaysia, a country that is also a vivid example of a multi-national and multi-religious society. The national cohesion of representatives of various ethnic communities forms a unique, harmonious and peaceful image of the Malaysian people.

In this context, Russia and Malaysia have a lot in common. We are united by the understanding that diversity is an important national asset and mutual respect and the desire for harmony are of fundamental importance for the stability and progressive development of the state. In both Russia and Malaysia, representatives of different cultures make a significant contribution to the development of the economy, science, education, art and public life, creating the basis for strengthening national unity.

I am convinced that Russia-Malaysia cooperation, based on the principles of equality, mutual respect and consideration of each other's interests, has significant potential. Our countries have a lot to offer each other, not only in trade, economic and technological spheres but also in the fields of culture, education and humanitarian collaboration.

I would like to quote one of my favourite Malaysian proverbs, which, in my opinion, very accurately reflects the nature of bilateral relations: "Jauh di mata, dekat di hati" (far from sight but close to the heart). Russia and Malaysia are separated by thousands of kilometres, located in different parts of the world and have their own historical and cultural heritage. However, all this is not an obstacle to the development of friendship, mutual interest and cooperation between our peoples.

Russian Ambassador to Malaysia

Already a subscriber? Log in

Get 20% OFF The Star Digital Access

Cancel anytime. Ad-free. Unlimited access with perks.

RM 13.90/month RM 11.12 /month

Billed as RM 11.12 for the 1st month, RM 13.90 thereafter.

RM 12.33/month RM 9.87 /month

Billed as RM 118.40 for the 1st year, RM 148 thereafter.

Thank you for your report!

俄罗斯于11月4日庆祝国家团结日，这个节日同时关注我们的历史、现在和未来。

对于历经数百年发展出独特民族共同体的俄罗斯而言，这个节日具有特殊的意义。它不仅象征着历史记忆和爱国主义，也象征着每个人都对国家的命运、繁荣和子孙后代的福祉负有责任。

面向未来的历史课

这个节日的历史渊源可以追溯到1612年。当时，在俄罗斯历史上最动荡的时期之一——“混乱时期”，由商人库兹马·米宁和德米特里·波扎尔斯基亲王领导的民兵从外国侵略者手中解放了莫斯科。不同阶层和地区的代表团结起来，捍卫国家，致力于克服内部纷争，恢复祖国的和平。这段历史表明，在国家历史上最艰难的时刻，至关重要的不是人与人之间的差异，而是将他们团结在一起的东西——对祖国的热爱、责任感、互助以及将共同利益置于个人恩怨之上的意愿。

国家统一是俄罗斯的战略优先事项。

俄罗斯是一个多民族、多宗教的国家，190多个民族和族群的代表在这里生活了数个世纪。他们各自为国家的共同文化遗产做出贡献，并保留着各自的语言、习俗、艺术传统和身份认同。同时，多样性并不排斥统一；相反，它丰富了统一。

俄罗斯联邦总统弗拉基米尔·普京在讲话中多次强调加强俄罗斯各民族之间的和谐、团结和相互尊重的重要性。根据总统令，2026年被宣布为俄罗斯各民族团结年，这凸显了这一议题对国家和社会的重要战略意义。

俄罗斯和马来西亚：多样性是国家团结的基础

反思国家团结日的意义，人们不禁会联想到马来西亚，这个国家也是一个多元民族、多元宗教社会的生动典范。不同族群代表的团结一致，共同塑造了马来西亚人民独特、和谐与和平的形象。

在此背景下，俄罗斯和马来西亚有很多共同之处。我们都认同多样性是重要的国家财富，相互尊重和追求和谐对于国家的稳定和进步发展至关重要。在俄罗斯和马来西亚，不同文化背景的人们都为经济、科学、教育、艺术和公共生活的发展做出了重要贡献，为加强民族团结奠定了基础。

我坚信，在平等、互相尊重和顾及彼此利益的原则基础上，俄马合作具有巨大的潜力。我们两国不仅在贸易、经济和技术领域，而且在文化、教育和人文合作领域，都有很多可以互相借鉴的地方。

我想引用一句我最喜欢的马来西亚谚语，在我看来，它非常准确地反映了双边关系的本质：“远隔千里，心心相印”（Jauh di mata, dekat di hati）。俄罗斯和马来西亚相隔数千公里，位于世界的不同角落，拥有各自独特的历史文化遗产。然而，所有这些都不能阻碍我们两国人民发展友谊、增进共同利益与加强合作。

俄罗斯驻马来西亚大使

已经是订阅用户？登录

订阅《星报》数字版，立享八折优惠

随时取消。无广告。无限畅享，更有专属福利。

每月 13.90 马币 每月 11.12 马币

第一个月收费 11.12 马币，之后每月收费 13.90 马币。

每月12.33令吉 每月9.87令吉

第一年收费 118.40 马币，之后每年收费 148 马币。

感谢您的报告！