He said the people should reduce the differences among them by bridging the gaps in race and religion.

“Charity begins at home, so it is appropriate for me to state here that indeed unity begins at home in our country,” he said when officiating the national-level National Unity Week celebration here today.

The King was greeted on arrival at 11am by the Yang di-Pertua Sarawak Abdul Taib Mahmud and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

Also present were Sarawak premier Abang Johari Openg and deputy prime minister Fadillah Yusof.

Sultan Abdullah launched a unity theme song that combines the various dialects in Malaysia entitled “Setia Perpaduan”.

Unity Week 2023, which will take place from May 20 to 28, will also be held at 15 locations across the country, including Bertam Square, Penang; Papar Community Hall, Sabah; Dataran Tasik Kluang, Johor; and Pantai Balok Recreation Centre, Kuantan, Pahang.

With the theme of “Unity in Diversity”, the main objective of organising Unity Week is to foster the spirit of unity and spread knowledge, understanding and appreciation of the diversity of customs and cultures in the Malaysian community.