The Malaysian government announced it will consider allocating a RM5 million matching grant under the 2027 Budget to revitalise 10 statesmen memorials across the country, including sites in Sabah and Sarawak [1, 2, 3]. The revitalisation will be managed by the National Archives of Malaysia and includes efforts to revive memorial sites and digitise historical treasures [3].
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim proposed that the Sabah government provide a suitable location for the development of the Sabah Statesman Memorial. He said it is important to appreciate the services and sacrifices of leaders who shaped the history of the state and nation [3].
Anwar highlighted the unity vision shared by Malaysia’s founding fathers such as Tunku Abdul Rahman, Tun Mustapha Harun, and Tun Fuad Stephens. He said, "Our nation's founding fathers had a vision of nationhood, even though it was not expressed in sophisticated language or through complex theories. ... They represented small ethnic and community groups, yet they possessed a broad vision of how to preserve the spirit of esprit de corps — a sense of togetherness, solidarity and belonging" [2].
The government will also provide an activity grant of RM10,000 to 189 Rukun Negara Secretariats at higher learning institutions to organise nation-building, patriotism, and unity programmes for university students [1, 2, 3]. Additionally, grants of RM5,000 each will be given to 6,849 Rukun Negara Clubs in schools nationwide to promote the principles of Rukun Negara from an early age [1, 2, 3].
Anwar stressed the importance of continuous efforts to nurture unity and guard against divisive forces. He said, "For Malaysians who want this country to remain peaceful, they understand the value, blessings and benefits of unity. ... We must not become complacent or assume that unity will naturally prevail under all circumstances without continuous efforts to nurture it" [2]. He noted the government has established a ministry dedicated to this cause and congratulated the National Unity Ministry for its work [2].
Plans for the memorials include interactive exhibitions to be displayed in public spaces such as educational institutions, shopping malls, and transport hubs [3].
Prime Minister Anwar first announced the proposed RM5 million matching grant and related unity initiatives on June 13 at National Unity Week celebrations in Kota Kinabalu [2, 3]. The government is expected to finalise details of the budget allocation ahead of the 2027 fiscal year.
