Malaysia will be a stronger nation if there is a greater sense of togetherness among the people, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.

Speaking at the national-level Malaysia Day 2016 celebration at the Bintulu Old Airport site here tonight, he said Malaysia had faced many challenges and obstacles since the country's formation 53 years ago but because of the people's unity, had become strong and successful.

"This is because we are together as one big family. We are stronger, we are greater and rise up to challenges because we are together," he said.

He said Malaysians must strive further to enhance the sense of togetherness by, among others, finding the points of similarity and moments of unity that could strengthen social unity.

Najib said moments of unity could be found in sports and the arts.

"When Pandelela Rinong, who is a Bidayuh did well at the Rio Olympics, we all as Malaysians regardless of our racial backgrounds shared her success. The same goes to the Paralympians who have made us proud with their world record breaking achievements.

"And when (Sarawak) Chief Minister Tan Sri Adenan Satem sings The Young Ones, we all feel very entertained. Those are the things that we must find among ourselves," he said.

On another matter, the prime minister said Sarawakians made the right decision to accept the formation of Malaysia in 1963, together with the states in Malaya, North Borneo and Singapore (which left the Federation in 1965).

He said the formation of Malaysia had helped to ward off internal and external threats such as communism.

Najib vowed that he would continue his agenda to develop both Sarawak and Sabah so that their people could enjoy inclusive and balanced development.

The Malaysia Day celebration themed "Sehati Sejiwa" (One Heart, One Soul) was graced by Sarawak Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud. -- Bernama