KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 30 ― Malaysians must come together in “moments of unity” for the country to progress and be on the world stage beyond 2030, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said in his Merdeka eve address tonight.
Najib said the country should not falter as it marks the 59th anniversary of then-Malaya's independence from colonial rule tomorrow.
“Looking forward, we have not reached the point of being independent for six decades to fail. We desire to see Malaysia continuing to advance far as a nation state of distinction that can stand proud on the world stage, not just for now, but even going beyond 2030.
“On this matter, if we want to see Malaysia continuing to be independent, sovereign, peaceful and respected by the world as an Eastern Star twinkling brightly, moments of unity have to be cultivated and spread far,” he said in address that was broadcast live on multiple channels.
He cited examples of harmony between multiracial Malaysians, including the large number of Malays cheering for ethnic Chinese ace shuttler Datuk Lee Chong Wei during the badminton men's singles finals at the recent Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.
He also noted that Lee never forgot about his ex-coach and mentor, Datuk Misbun Sidek, and later pointed out Malaysians' culture of visiting each other's houses during festivals.
All those hailed as examples of Malaysian unity were present in the Putra World Trade Centre hall where Najib gave his speech, including the Olympic medalists and the owner of a nasi kandar stall in a Chinese-owned outlet in Ipoh with a multiracial clientele.
Najib also cited cartoonist Datuk Mohammad Nor Khalid or Lat's depiction of the multiracial society of Malaysia through his popular Kampung Boy comics, and the recent Ola Bola film that he said ignited the spirit of unity among Malaysians.
“From the time of independence, the progress that we have achieved from time to time, is for the sake of Malaysians as a whole. The government will not sideline anyone or any ethnic group that are few in numbers,” he said.
He highlighted Sarawak's Bidayuh native Pandelela Rinong's silver medal along with fellow Olympic diver Cheong Jun Hoong, noting that the former proved that a minority representative could become a champion.
In the same Merdeka eve speech, Najib warned of what he termed as divisive “moments of disunity”, stressing that the nation must fight against traitors.
“At this time, what we are facing is not external enemies, but instead a new form of colonisation, that creeps into and poisons the minds of the people, and involves the 'dirty hands' of those within our own country,” he said.
He then cited the late Mahatma Gandhi as saying that independence amounts to discipline and obedience to the rule of law, and that the “ends does not justify the means” according to Islamic teachings.
“Not like what is attempted by certain quarters who want to topple the government in an undemocratic manner, making referendums, declarations, or inciting and poisoning the minds of the people to demonstrate on the streets,” he said.
He did not name those whom he claimed to be going through non-democratic ways to allegedly remove the current government.
