I believe that whether we come from a remote village or a big city, whether we live in the United States or in Malaysia, that we all share basic human aspirations: to live in dignity and peace.
Barack Obama: “I believe that whether we come from a remote village or a big city, whether we live in the United States or in Malaysia…”
On the recordApril 25, 2014
Source
presidency.ucsb.eduEditor's note · Context
Remarks at a State Dinner Hosted by King Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah of Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur
Share
More from Barack Obama
Oct 19, 2026
It is a basic principle of American democracy that the government can’t selectively target individuals simply because of their political beliefs or what they say.
Oct 15, 2026
People need to “rediscover what’s the story we tell about how we’re going to live together, and see each other, and recognise each other, and disagree, and yet, still care for each other”.
Oct 18, 2026
It is a decision about how do we face and embrace this finite amount of time we have on the planet.
Oct 19, 2026
Because if this becomes the new normal, there’s no reason to believe it will stop with her — or that future presidents, in either party, won’t do the same.





