Prime Minister outlines three Merdeka messages – Bernama
Leaving behind a prosperous and peaceful Malaysia for future generations was among the three Merdeka points outlined by Datuk Seri Najib Razak (pic) for the continuity of the nation to be competitive on the international arena.
The Prime Minister outlines:
* First Merdeka Message: Strengthen the solidarity of Malaysians, including unity in grief, in the face of challenges and tests.
* Second Merdeka Message: Cultivate confidence that we can achieve any ambitions as a nation if there is unity.
* Third Merdeka Message: Leaving behind a prosperous and peaceful Malaysia.
In his speech at the 57th National Day celebrations at the Dewan Tunku Abdul Rahman in the Malaysian Tourism Centre (Matic) in Kuala Lumpur, he said solidarity among the people who united in grief, for instance, was witnessed during the ceremony to honour the victims of the MH17 tragedy, which was the highest honour ever accorded to civilians.
This was the first time Najib gave his National Day message live in front of an audience unlike in previous years, and it was telecast directly by radio and television stations.
Najib, elaborating the first Merdeka message, said people throughout the country observed a simultaneous minute of silence as a mark of solidarity and spirit of unity in building a nation, 1Malaysia.
"The point is, ladies and gentlemen, we showed our unity during the Day of Mourning throughout the nation, and we will continue this spirit of unity during good times as well as bad, for always," he said.
In elaborating the second message on fostering the confidence of the people, he said everyone would have a bright future if the people had strong ideas and lived in harmony to achieve a noble objective.
Najib said his administration would continue making the best decisions for the Malaysian people based on the needs, demands and capabilities of the government.
On the third message which is to leave behind a prosperous and peaceful Malaysia, he said: "Whatever the challenges, whatever the tests, we will continue marching ahead, building a peaceful Malaysia for our children's future."
Najib then urged the people to work together towards success for the benefit of future generations.
The location where Najib delivered his address had been specially selected as it had historical significance since it was the location for the first Parliamentary sitting in 1959 as well as the place where three installations of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong were held.
Najib also touched on the efforts of the opposition to divide the people during the times when his administration had a heavy responsibility and had to prioritise the welfare of the people.
"Whatever the opposition did and whatever accusations they made, our agenda to look out for the people will be maintained," he said.
He also criticised certain parties who questioned the government's recognition given to the security forces.
"What the government wants to clarify is, don't compare the particular honours that are accorded to the MH17 tragedy victims and why no such appropriate honours were given to the fallen security personnel in the Lahad Datu incident," he said.
Najib said such incitements are full of bad intentions.
"Once again, I reiterate that the contribution of our country's warriors will always be held in high esteem and accorded an important place for their sacrifices to the nation." he said.
Touching on the Malaysia Airlines (MAS) Recovery Plan, Najib urged the people to give it their support.
The fact was, he said, the country needed a competitive and powerful airline company by being viable and taking a commercial resolution without sacrificing the welfare of its workers.
He said the country succeeded in moving forward with a thousand twists and changes.
"Throughout that period, the face of independence has intrinsically spread out and if we view it from all aspects, including the heart, soul and spirit of merdeka, it celebrates pluralism," he said. – Bernama, August 21, 2014.
