ID :
80321
Thu, 09/17/2009 - 00:40
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://oananews.org//node/80321
The shortlink copeid
SABAH, SARAWAK VIBRANT EXAMPLES OF 1MALAYSIA - M`SIAN PM
KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 16 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak
has described the spirit of unity and harmony among the people of Sabah and
Sarawak as a vibrant example of 1Malaysia.
He said that there were many examples in both states of how Malaysians of
different racial, religious and ethnic roots "can come together around the many
things that unite us, instead of allowing the few things that divide us to drive
us apart."
"The story of Sabah and Sarawak is the story of 1Malaysia, and has informed
and inspired my commitment to this concept.
"They are a testament to the fact that our differences unite this country,"
Najib said in his personal statement in conjunction with Malaysia Day Wednesday
to commemorate the formation of Malaysia in 1963 by Sabah, Sarawak (both East
Malaysia states) and the then Malaya.
Citing the Gawai celebrations in longhouses in Sarawak as an example, the
prime minister said, he could not help but think that the people of Sarawak had
already adopted the values of 1Malaysia "long before I explained its various
elements."
He said that this scenario had driven his commitment, and that he believed
that
it had an important and lasting impact on Malaysia's development.
"Malaysians of any race or creed need simply look to Sabah and Sarawak to
gain
an understanding of the incredibly strong and harmonious unity that can be found
in accepting and respecting the diversity of our nation," he said.
On Sabah, he said, what impressed him the most was the entrepreneurial and
innovative spirit among the people in their development of a thriving ecotourism
industry, turning Sabah into a significant contributor to the nation's economy.
He acknowledged however that the economic progress in the two states was
being hampered by inadequate transportation networks, underfunded schools and
insufficient provision of services.
That was why he extended federal government grants to local authorities in
Sabah and Sarawak, he said.
Najib also said that it was important for the government to provide the same
opportunities to all and improve the lives of Malaysians regardless of race,
religion "or the corner of Malaysia that they choose to call home."
"In the end, whether we live in a remote longhouse or a high-rise in Kuala
Lumpur, we are all Malaysians and we are all part of the 1Malaysia that we
love," he said.
In his blog www.1malaysia.com.my, Najib also recalls the time when his
father Tun Abdul Razak witnessed the historic proclamation of Sabah's
independence in 1963.
Najib said he was 10 at that time "but I remember how proud he was during
that momentous occasion. Sabah and Sarawak occupy a special place in my heart
because of that history."
He added that much of the country's cultural heritage was tied to the icons
of life in Sabah and Sarawak.
"Longhouses are as much a mainstay of life there as they are a symbol for
our need as Malaysians to learn to live under one roof and to build up our
national house together.
"When the sun rises over Malaysia, it shines first on Sabah and Sarawak. Our
future as a country depends on our ability to work and live together," the prime
minister said.
-- BERNAMA
has described the spirit of unity and harmony among the people of Sabah and
Sarawak as a vibrant example of 1Malaysia.
He said that there were many examples in both states of how Malaysians of
different racial, religious and ethnic roots "can come together around the many
things that unite us, instead of allowing the few things that divide us to drive
us apart."
"The story of Sabah and Sarawak is the story of 1Malaysia, and has informed
and inspired my commitment to this concept.
"They are a testament to the fact that our differences unite this country,"
Najib said in his personal statement in conjunction with Malaysia Day Wednesday
to commemorate the formation of Malaysia in 1963 by Sabah, Sarawak (both East
Malaysia states) and the then Malaya.
Citing the Gawai celebrations in longhouses in Sarawak as an example, the
prime minister said, he could not help but think that the people of Sarawak had
already adopted the values of 1Malaysia "long before I explained its various
elements."
He said that this scenario had driven his commitment, and that he believed
that
it had an important and lasting impact on Malaysia's development.
"Malaysians of any race or creed need simply look to Sabah and Sarawak to
gain
an understanding of the incredibly strong and harmonious unity that can be found
in accepting and respecting the diversity of our nation," he said.
On Sabah, he said, what impressed him the most was the entrepreneurial and
innovative spirit among the people in their development of a thriving ecotourism
industry, turning Sabah into a significant contributor to the nation's economy.
He acknowledged however that the economic progress in the two states was
being hampered by inadequate transportation networks, underfunded schools and
insufficient provision of services.
That was why he extended federal government grants to local authorities in
Sabah and Sarawak, he said.
Najib also said that it was important for the government to provide the same
opportunities to all and improve the lives of Malaysians regardless of race,
religion "or the corner of Malaysia that they choose to call home."
"In the end, whether we live in a remote longhouse or a high-rise in Kuala
Lumpur, we are all Malaysians and we are all part of the 1Malaysia that we
love," he said.
In his blog www.1malaysia.com.my, Najib also recalls the time when his
father Tun Abdul Razak witnessed the historic proclamation of Sabah's
independence in 1963.
Najib said he was 10 at that time "but I remember how proud he was during
that momentous occasion. Sabah and Sarawak occupy a special place in my heart
because of that history."
He added that much of the country's cultural heritage was tied to the icons
of life in Sabah and Sarawak.
"Longhouses are as much a mainstay of life there as they are a symbol for
our need as Malaysians to learn to live under one roof and to build up our
national house together.
"When the sun rises over Malaysia, it shines first on Sabah and Sarawak. Our
future as a country depends on our ability to work and live together," the prime
minister said.
-- BERNAMA
