We asked Malaysians from across the country of their views of this homeland and their hope for Malaysia.

For me, Malaysia is a wonderful country with various cultures and it is full of hopes and dreams for an ordinary Malaysian like me, as well as for other Malaysians. Sadly, those hopes and dreams might not be achieved by those who are still sleeping on the streets, who still have no access to healthcare, who still have no access to proper education and those who are victims of corruption, injustice and abuse of powers. This is despite after Malaysia was formed 49 years ago.

I hope for a better condition for fellow Malaysians and for the future generation, as they too, have hopes and dreams, like I do.”

Benazir Japiril Bandaran,Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

As part of Malaysia, Sarawak should receive more funds from the federal government to develop the state. There should be more allocation for us, to reflect our large contributions of taxes through the oil and gas industry. Our contributions to the government of Malaysia are aplenty.

We hope that there would be more recognition and allocation to be given to the government of Sarawak. My hope is that with the participation of Sarawak people in DAP and Pakatan Rakyat, the political involvement of the people of Sabah and Sarawak within Malaysia will be strengthened. And I believe that if the people of Sabah and Sarawak can realise that their participation plays a big role within Malaysia, we can save Malaysia.

Awang Saifeluddin Awang Karim, Kuching, Sarawak

After 49 years of independence, the government has not treated Sabah well. We have much natural resources such as rubber, oil and gas and palm oil. Yet Sabah has not improved its living standards. In the 1970s, Sabah used to be the second richest state but now after almost 40 over years, Sabah has become the poorest state in Malaysia. We have been short-changed.

Sabah also has countless number of illegal immigrants. More than one hundred thousand foreigners has receive myKads through dubious means. We need good, effective and sincere leaders to lead Sabah. Only then can we correct these problems.

I hope to see every Malaysian, from Peninsular Malaysia, Sarawak and Sabah, will accept and help each other, and move together as one united voice pursuing greater progress in all dimensions.

Jeffrey Kumin, Inanam, Sabah

Malaysia is a melting pot of the diverse beauty and colours, language, culture, religion and the people. In short a fusion of wonder.

Being a child in Malaysia, untarnished and uncorrupted, meant that I was an important part of a interwoven fabric called Malaysia where one looked at everyone regardless of race as equals.

Alas, Malaysia has not lived up to the true significance and value of “MERDEKA”, as she is bound and gagged by the heavy chains of corruption, bad governance and mismanagement of public and state funds.

My dream for Malaysia is to plant the seeds of justice, democracy and freedom here which will become a common foundation for all my brethrens, to be a place where her children will be brought up with good, decent moral values and virtues and hope for a better life not just for me, but for my children.

Kasthuri Patto, Petaling Jaya, Selangor

While studying overseas I experienced and learnt much about exchange and criticism of ideas in a free and open environment in my place of study. Sadly for Malaysia it has yet to attain that.

For example, the government has used the excuse of development to justify the Lynas rare earth plants in Kuantan, the Bukit Koman gold mine and the Pengerang petrochemical projects. Similarly in Sarawak, there are the Bakun dam and Mukah aluminium smelter plants.

These projects are environmentally harmful and polluting and time bombs for the people’s well being. Yet the government has steadfastly ignored public protests and opinion. They are endangering people’s health and lives.

I hope Malaysia will have a stronger civil movement to check these projects. Any project development that is to take place should rightfully be scrutinised transparently and with public consultation. Only then can Malaysia ensure sustainable development for itself.

Penny Yong, Sibu, Sarawak

Malaysia, simply put, is home for me. This is where I have my childhood memories and where I have experienced life. One can have dreams and ambitions and the opportunity to pursue them. It has its shortcomings, but there is no other place that I would rather claim as my home except this beautiful country.

Malaysia must move forward in nation building. Reconciliation of all the ethnic groups in the country where race wouldn’t matter anymore is absolutely vital. There are abundant resources for everyone. We can live happily and prosperously without animosity, ill will or hatred towards each other.

Racial politics is a thing of the past and many countries have moved on from that. I hope one day we can overcome racial politics and put an end to it once and for all.

Fairuz Azhan, Kuala Lumpur