WHAT A JOKER! Sabah's next 50 years to be even better - Najib

KOTA KINABALU - PRIME Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak last night pledged to Sabahans to make the next 50 years of the state  even better than its first 50 within Malaysia.

Addressing a crowd of thousands at Prince Philip Park at the iconic Tanjung Aru beach here, Najib said he was confident of that possibility, based on the stellar pace of development in the state.

"I can bravely say, and based on the past 50 years, that I aim to make the next 50 years for Sabah even better. This is what I promise you here tonight," he said to thunderous cheers and applause from the crowd at the 50th Malaysia Day celebration, themed "Sabah Progresses Within Malaysia".

Najib also paid tribute to Sabahans for electing the same government at the federal and state levels, saying it was the main reason that the people could celebrate their achievements as part of the federation of Malaysia.

"We do not forget our promises to the people of Sabah. The reason we are able to happily celebrate today and why we chose the theme 'Sabah Progresses Within Malaysia' is not just about political stability, but also because Sabahans chose the same government at the state and federal levels."

Najib said despite differences in language, culture and the location between the people in Sabah, Sarawak and the peninsula, Malaysians were connected in their hearts and souls.

"We may pronounce things differently. People in the peninsula say tetap (still), but over here, they say tatap.

"What is important is that we are one in our hearts and in the blood that flows in our veins. Regardless of which town, district or state that we are in, we are one big Malaysian family."

Najib said with each visit, he felt closer to Sabahans and that he pledged to fulfil promises that the government had made to them, including providing basic amenities and rolling out big projects, such as the Sabah International Convention Centre.

"It will be another seven years to 2020 and it is my hope that Sabah becomes a fully developed state at the same time."

Najib said the state's past leaders and people had had the foresight to choose to be part of Malaysia for the sake of the state's future generations.

"The Cobbold Commission showed that more than 80 per cent of Sabahans at the time wanted Sabah to be part of Malaysia."

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman urged Sabahans to appreciate what they enjoy today by giving back to the country.

"We have a responsibility to sustain our freedom as it will ensure our success for years to come."

Musa said it was fated for Najib to continue the legacy of his father, Tun Abdul Razak Hussein, who had attended the Malaysia Day celebration here in 1963.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak receiving gold coin souvenirs from Bank Negara Deputy Governor Datuk Muhammad Ibrahim at the50th Malaysia Day celebration in Kota Kinabalu last night. With them are Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and Sabah Chief MinisterDatuk Seri Musa Aman.