Musa Aman disturbed by ESCALATING talk of secession

KOTA KINABALU - The rakyat came together to celebrate Malaysia Day with calls for unity, reminding them that they are part of this country.

At the Likas Sports Complex here, some 5,000 people had gathered early in the day, taking part in various performances, including the singing of patriotic songs and poetry reading.

The highlight of the event was the reciting of the Rukun Negara by 51 youth leaders of ­various ethnic communities from across the state.

In his Malaysia Day message, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman said Malaysians in Sabah must continue towards the building of an even better nation.

“We in Sabah take pride in our diversity, and view it as our strength in growing the state to where it is today.

“Yet, we must remember that we are part of a nation and that all partners in this country need to support one another in bringing ­collective progress.

“We need to broaden our thinking and embrace all Malaysians, irrespective of beliefs, cultures and backgrounds,” said Musa, who was represented by his deputy Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan here yesterday.

Saying that he was disturbed by escalating talk that Sabah should secede from Malaysia, Musa described this as being ­irresponsible.

“It is also fuelling anger among Malaysians in Sabah, who may be unhappy with certain things but who do not understand the reasons this nation came to be,” he said.

Calling on these instigators to stop their actions, Musa said: “We should close ranks and resolve to make Sabah a better place by bringing up issues that need to be addressed through the correct platforms.”

The Government, he added, was always willing to listen and to ensure the protection of rights enshrined under the Federal Constitu­tion.

The Sabah government, said Musa, was committed to ensuring that peace and racial harmony were safeguarded as the bigger task at hand was to create a successful nation, and one that all Malaysians could be proud of.

“There is no room here for those who want to stir racial sentiments. I am glad that the true essence of 1Malaysia is practised among Malaysians in Sabah,” he said.

Earlier, Sabah Yang Di-Pertua Negeri Tun Juhar Mahiruddin and other state leaders witnessed a march past mounted by 1,456 people in 26 contingents, comprising security forces and voluntary groups. -ANN