KOTA KINABALU, Aug 7 — Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman said this year’s National Day theme “sehatisejiwa” is apt for it reflects the spirit of unity, brotherhood and humanity among Malaysians.
Musa said the significance of the theme was stressed further given the proposal to change Independence Day celebration to National Day celebration in a move to strengthen solidarity and patriotism among Malaysians in the peninsula, Sabah and Sarawak.
“As Malaysians made up of various races and religions, ‘sehatisejiwa’ would continue to strengthen us regardless of ethnicity, beliefs, culture, place of birth or borders,” he said in his speech at the launch of Sutera Harbour Resort’s annual National Day celebration at the resort’s Marina and Country Club here today.
Musa, who was represented by Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister Datuk Ellron Alfred Angin, said the development and prosperity enjoyed by Malaysians today could be attributed to the cohesiveness, understanding and respect people had for one another that existed even before the country was formed.
“We aspire to have a peaceful and economically progressive country with every citizen enjoying a harmonious life,” he said.
The chief minister called on Malaysians not to treat this year’s National Day theme lightly and to take the initiative to strengthen rapport and unity, and work together towards building a glorious nation.
“The spirit of ‘sehatisejiwa’ is especially apparent after the earthquakes that hit Ranau in June. Malaysians all over the country gave their support, held prayers and provided humanitarian aid to the victims,” he added.
The celebration was marked by a marchpast involving some 290 members of the Royal Malaysia Police, the 507 Territorial Army Regiment of Kota Kinabalu, the Fire and Rescue Department and the People’s Volunteer Corps (Rela) at the Marina and Country Club tennis court.
Musa also expressed appreciation to Sutera Harbour Resort and congratulated its management for organising the National Day celebration every year which he said helped to boost patriotism and love for the country.
“As ‘frontliners’ in the hotel and tourism industries, Sutera Harbour Resort and other hotels play a vital role as hosts to visitors to Malaysia,” he added.
Hundreds of resort staff, members of the public and dignitaries, including Kota Kinabalu City Hall director-general Datuk Yeoh Boon Hai and Sutera Harbour Resort deputy chief executive officer Gerard Tan, took part in the celebration. — Bernama
