DPM LAUNCHES INDEPENDENCE MONTH CELEBRATION

KANGAR, Malaysia, Aug 2 (Bernama) -- Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin in
launching this year's Merdeka (Independence) month celebration and
national-level Jalur Gemilang (National Flag) flying campaign, said he hoped the
existing multi-racial harmony in the country would continue to be preserved.

As such, he said he did not want anyone to upset this bedrock of unity by
questioning the position of any race in the country.

"Let us strengthen the foundation on which Malaysia was formed as an independent
and sovereign nation," he told a crowd of 20,000 guests and people from around
here, the capital of northern state of Perlis, who had flooded the venue for the
launch of the celebration themed "1Malaysia Menjana Transformasi" (1Malaysia
Driving Transformation).

He said Malaysians must learn from past experience where extremist actions which
hurt the feelings of others could affect peace, harmony and political stability.

"Don't because of narrow political interests or the propensity to seek
popularity, there are among us those who are willing to gamble on racial harmony
and the future of the country," he said.

However, Muhyiddin said he believed Malaysians valued peace and harmony and were
always making efforts to strengthen these.

He said Malaysia was a model for others of a multi-racial country which
succeeded in achieving economic success while preserving harmony and political
stability.

"This would not have been possible if not for the mutual respect for each other
and a high degree of tolerance among the various races," he said.

According to him, respecting diffirences, celebrating diversity and watching out
for racial sensitivities were the pillars in making Malaysia a strong nation.

With these foundations, Muhyiddin said each race in the country could live in an
atmosphere of peace and harmony, and with this, enabled the government to bring
about economic development and prosperity for the people.

Muhyiddin also handed over the Jalur Gemilang to representatives of thevarious
races, various departments, institutions and non-governmental organisations
besides presenting notebook computers sponsored by Celcom Bhd to 300 poor
students from thoughout the country.

Earlier, Information Communication and Culture Minister Dr Rais Yatim in his
speech said he hoped Malaysians from all walks of life and irrespective of
political affiliation would fly the Jalur Gemilang in conjunction with the
Merdeka month. Malaysia's Independence Day falls on Aug 31.
-- BERNAMA



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