Zulkifli Mohamad spun a wooden top for the first time in 20 years, his hands moving instinctively as his children watched in wide-eyed wonder at the Likas Sports Complex in Kota Kinabalu. The rhythmic hum of gasing, the clatter of terompah gergasi, and the laughter of families playing coconut shell clogs cut through the drizzle on Friday afternoon, turning National Unity Week 2026 into a living classroom of heritage and harmony. Despite the rain, hundreds gathered at the four-day celebration, drawn not by flashy technology but by the simple, profound joy of traditional games that once defined childhood across Malaysia’s diverse communities.
In an age dominated by screens, the revival of these time-honored activities offers more than nostalgia—it’s a quiet act of cultural preservation and social connection. Organized by the National Unity Ministry under the theme “Bersama Membina Negara Bangsa” (Together Building the Nation), the event is a centerpiece of the Kembara Perpaduan initiative, designed to strengthen national identity through shared experiences. For many young attendees, it was their first encounter with games like sepak manggis, batu seremban, and congkak—pastimes that once sharpened focus, coordination, and cooperation without a single battery or Wi-Fi signal.
The impact was immediate and tangible. Hotel worker Zulkifli, 37, hadn’t played gasing since primary school, but the moment he gripped the string and launched the spinning top, he was transported back. “It is enjoyable because it brings back memories. My children also watched and played with the tops. It gives them exposure because they have never seen this game before,” he said. Others, like Norhayati Mohd Yusof, 37, highlighted the deeper lessons embedded in the play. As teams in giant wooden clogs—terompah gergasi—stumbled and then synchronized their steps, she pointed to the metaphor: “It teaches us to work together. That is the principle of unity being instilled through this activity.”
Sabah National Unity and Integration Department Director Rina Ab Harun emphasized that these games are not just entertainment but cultural anchors. From blowpipe shooting to hopscotch and traditional draughts, they reflect the ingenuity and values of earlier generations. The event, set to culminate with a visit from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, has reignited a conversation about how tradition can fuel modern unity. As children learn to count seeds in congkak or balance on coconut shell clogs, they’re also learning patience, strategy, and solidarity—skills no app can fully replicate. In the spin of a top or the synchronized step of a giant clog, Malaysia is rediscovering the timeless rhythm of togetherness.