Reflecting on the country's 59 years of Independence, Datuk Seri Najib Razak said the people should treasure "moments of unity" if they wish to see Malaysia remain sovereign and grow to become great.

The Prime Minister said Malaysia had not come to its sixth decade of Independence only to fail, and was determined to become a nation to be proud of before the world not just now but beyond 2030.

"If we wish to see Malaysia remain Independent, sovereign, peaceful and respected the world over as a glittering eastern star, moments of unity should be cherished and promoted," he said in his National Day Message at the Putra World Trade Centre here Tuesday night.

His third National Day Message, lasting 45 minutes, was telecast live.

The function was organised by the Communications and Multimedia Ministry with the cooperation of Bernama, the national news agency.

Citing examples of moments of unity, Najib alluded to the semi-final match between Malaysia's "badminton King" Datuk Lee Chong Wei and Cheng Long of China at the Rio Olympics.

He said the majority of the supporters who applauded Chong Wei loudly were Malays.

The Prime Minister said that Chong Wei, who stood up to be cheered by the audience, never forgot Datuk Misbun Sidek as the man who helped to nurture his talent and guide him to success.

"This is the beauty and magic of Malaysia. The spirit of oneness and closeness transcends racial barriers, and concerns mutual appreciation and helping one another," Najib said.

He congratulated Chong Wei for winning his third Olympic silver.

Najib also praised men's doubles pair Goh V Shem-Tan Wee Kiong and mixed doubles pair Chan Peng Soon-Goh Liu Ying, who won silver, "national diving Queen" Pandelela Rinong and Cheong Jun Hoong, who also secured silver, and bronze medalist cyclist Azizulhasni Awang. They received hearty applause from the gathering.

The Prime Minister also had warm words for cartoonist Lat, or Datuk Mohammad Nor Khalid, to go by his real name, whom he noted portrayed characters of various races in his work.

Najib also referred to the film Ola Bola which he said inspired feelings of oneness among Malaysians.

He stressed that moments of unity were not confined to sports and socio-cultural activities.