DPM TO STUDENTS: ENSURE COUNTRY REMAIN FOREVER INDEPENDENT

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 1 (Bernama) -- Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin wants
students to appreciate the meaning of independence so that they will be able to
take the responsibility in making sure the country remain forever an independent
nation.

Muhyiddin, who is also the Education Minister said in his 53rd National Day
message that educators and students should work together and pledge to uphold
the country's independence.

He said the struggle of past independence fighters like Panglima Rentap, Tok
Janggut, Bahaman, Onn Jaafar, Tunku Abdul Rahman, Tan Cheng Lock and Sambanthan
should be appreciated.

"Now it is our turn to carry on with the struggle. We should defend our
country's sovereignty so that our future generation will also be able to live
free as we are.

"Let us not be the ones depriving the future generation of such freedom," he said.

Muhyiddin said educators and students should be thankful because as an
independent nation, Malaysia could pursue its own destiny.

However, he said, the freedom would not last long if the people were not
cautious and kept on bickering among themselves.

"I truly hope that you, the students, as the country's future leaders, can
continue to be united in safeguarding our independence, our invaluable
heritage," he said.

Muhyiddin said the 1Malaysia vision mooted by Prime Minister Najib Razak was an
integrated effort to nurture unity among the people.

Unity was paramaount, he said, because without it, even great civilisations, let
alone countries, could collapse.

Muhyiddin said new policies introduced by the ministry were tailored towards
nurturing unity right from the school level.

"I believe that students from various races will not have any problem studying
together, participate in co-curriculum activities or support their sports team
together," he said.

He also called on students to gain as much knowledge and skills to help make
Malaysia a respected country in the eyes of the world.

Muhyiddin said the 53rd National Day had strengthened the ministry's resolve in
transforming the country's education.

"I hope teachers will be ever ready to be the prime movers of this
transformation," he said.
-- BERNAMA