Saturday, October 18, 2008

SUNDAY 19TH OCTOBER 2008-SEPTEMBER 16 SHOULD BE CELEBRATED NATIONWIDE-ABDULLAH


KOTA KINABALU:

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said yesterday September 16 should be celebrated nationwide as it marks the formation of Malaysia. He also said post-independence generation’s lack of interest in the nation’s history should not be taken lightly. The lack of interest in history will have a huge effect on the country, he said at the Malaysia Day celebration in conjunction with the country’s 51st Anniversary at the Padang Merdeka here last night. “Citizens who are not aware of their country’s history are just like children who do not know who their parents are,” Abdullah said. “It is therefore very important for the younger generation to learn about the country’s history so that we can be a nation with high sovereignty and prestige,” he said, adding that this was why he stressed on the importance of teaching history at primary school level so that the children can learn about their origins. In view of this, there is a need to review and update the teaching techniques and learning of history subject in schools so that it leaves the desired affect on the students, he stressed. He also urged the people especially the post independence-generation to remember the sacrifices of past leaders towards obtaining the country’s independence. “People like the late Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, Tun Mustapha and other leaders from Sahah as well as Sarawak who have contributed to the nation being born.” he said. Abdullah added that through their determination, will and unity, all challenges faced then were overcome, thus it was important for Malaysians to continue being united so as to face future challenges. “It was said that this was hard to achieve because the people are from various races and religions but we have proved the critics wrong. “We are united because we respect, understand and tolerate each other irrespective of race, culture and religion,” he said, adding that Malaysians must enjoy the peace and prosperity in the country. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman said the formation of Malaysia has benefited Malaysians throughout the country especially those in Sabah. “The political stability. social prosperitv and economic development enjoyed since we achieved independence throughMalaysia 45 years ago has changed Sabah’s landscape,” he said. Development boost, improved socio-economic level and prosperity enjoyed by all are proof of the Government’s high commitment and sincerity in looking after the welfare of all and sundry, he said. Speaking at the Malaysia Day celebration in conjunction with the country’s 51st anniversary at the Padang Merdeka here last night, Musa pointed out the continued good relationship between the State and Federal Governments is not only translated through the generous allocation but also through the state’s role of being a catalyst in the more effective implementation of development throughout the state. One of the development projects, he said is the implementation of the Sabah Development Corridor (SDC) which took into account the needs and aspirations of the State’s leaders and people. The mega development boost not only polished the State’s economic potential and prospects, it also puts emphasis on Sabah’s uniqueness in its flora and fauna, he added. “We now have a strong and stable Government and through it, we are able to implement many development agendas for the prosperity of the people,” he said, adding that with the continued support of the people
and the Government’s pragmatic policy, the State and country will be able to enjoy peace and harmony. Musa also added that he was happy with the respond of the people at all national level events hosted by Sabah as they would turn out in droves to attend the festivities. This, he said, reflects just how much Sabahans appreciate the importance of such festivals as a platform to strengthen existing ties, unity and harmony. Sabah, he added is the perfect example of unity, religious tolerance and harmony of the various races in the State as they do not allow the differences in race, ethnicity and religion come in between them. Instead, they have mutual respect for each other and this ethnic diversity is the strength of their success in line with the unity in diversity concept, he pointed out. Musa also urged Sabahans to remember and appreciate the formation of Malaysia through the struggles and sacrifices of past leaders.