Cherish moments of unity, says Najib

If we wish to see Malaysia remain Independent, peaceful and respected, moments of unity should be promoted, says the Prime Minister in his National Day message.

KUALA LUMPUR: Reflecting on the country’s 59 years of Independence, Prime Minister Najib Razak said the people should treasure “moments of unity” if they wish to see Malaysia remain sovereign and grow to become great.

The Prime Minister said Malaysia had not come to its sixth decade of Independence only to fail, and was determined to become a nation that Malaysians could be proud of.

“If we wish to see Malaysia remain Independent, sovereign, peaceful and respected the world over as a glittering eastern star, moments of unity should be cherished and promoted,” he said in his National Day Message at the Putra World Trade Centre here last night.

His National Day message, lasting 45 minutes, was telecast live. The function was organised by the Communications and Multimedia Ministry with the cooperation of Bernama, the national news agency.

Citing examples of moments of unity, Najib alluded to the final match between Malaysia’s “badminton King” Lee Chong Wei and Chen Long of China at the Rio Olympics.

He said the majority of the supporters who applauded Chong Wei loudly were Malays.

The Prime Minister said that Chong Wei, who stood up to be cheered by the audience, never forgot Misbun Sidek as the man who helped to nurture his talent and guide him to success.

“This is the beauty and magic of Malaysia. The spirit of oneness and closeness transcends racial barriers, and concerns mutual appreciation and helping one another,” Najib said.

He congratulated Chong Wei for winning his third Olympic silver.

Najib also praised men’s doubles pair Goh V Shem-Tan Wee Kiong and mixed doubles pair Chan Peng Soon-Goh Liu Ying, who won silver, “national diving Queen” Pandelela Rinong and Cheong Jun Hoong, who also secured silver, and bronze medalist cyclist Azizulhasni Awang. They received hearty applause from the gathering.

The Prime Minister also had warm words for cartoonist Lat, or Mohammad Nor Khalid whom he noted portrayed characters of various races in his work.

Najib also referred to the film Ola Bola that he said inspired feelings of oneness among Malaysians.

He stressed that moments of unity were not confined to sports and socio-cultural activities.

Najib said that moments of unity occur during festivals, especially Aidilfitri, when Malaysians hold open houses. This tradition has become famous and even attracts tourists.

The Prime Minister said the government was intent on uniting the people and would not neglect any ethnic group, however small.

He alluded to Pandelela, from the small Bidayuh community in Sarawak, who had become a champion.

In promoting solidarity, the government certainly did not want “moments of disunity” which could destroy all that had been built, Najib said.

“Are we willing to allow this country to be destroyed by a small group of traitors? We must oppose all-out betrayers of the people and country,” he said.

Najib said Malaysia was facing not just external enemies but also a new form of colonialism. This colonialism was poisoning the minds of the rakyat and it was taking place with the involvement of local “dirty hands”.

The Prime Minister said independence meant freedom from foreign interference.

“More than that it is a shift and a transformation from backwardness to progress and excellence,” he said.