Assalamualaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh, Greetings Prosperity and Greetings to the Malaysian Family.
- All praise and gratitude to Allah SWT, because with His blessing and grace, we can gather to celebrate the 59th anniversary of the founding of Malaysia, at the Declaration of Independence Memorial Square, Historic City Melaka tonight. Happy Malaysia Day!
- First of all, let me express my appreciation and thanks to the President of Melaka, His Excellency, Tun Datuk Seri (Dr) Haji Mohd Ali Mohd Rustam, and His Excellency the Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Utama Sulaiman Md Ali , and the Melaka State Government for being willing to host this celebration.
- Thank you also to the Honorable Datuk Amar Haji Awang Tengah bin Ali Hasan who represented the Honorable Chief Minister of Sarawak and the Honorable Datuk Seri Panglima Dr. Jeffrey G. Kitingan who represents
The Honorable Chief Minister of Sabah for being willing to attend this very meaningful event.
- Alhamdulillah after the recent festive and extraordinary celebration of National Day 2022, tonight we can together celebrate another important moment in the history of the country.
- I am deeply moved by the extraordinary presence of the Malaysian Family which consists of various layers of race, religion, culture and age on this night. The presence of Malaysian families with small children flooding Dataran Pahlawan this night proves that Malaysian families embody a very high spirit of patriotism.
- Indeed, the history of this lucky earth’s journey is full of colorful pages. As a land that was once colonized, today Malaysia stands intact as a peaceful, prosperous, independent and sovereign country under the patronage of His Majesty, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong as the Umbrella of Unity.
My beloved Malaysian family,
- For the first time, the celebration of Malaysia Day was organized outside of Sabah and Sarawak. The selection of the Declaration of Independence Memorial Square in Banda Hilir Melaka this time, certainly recalls the history of our homeland.
- Banda Hilir Melaka once witnessed the proclamation of Independence on 20 February 1956, and on 30 August 1957, the skyline of Banda Hilir witnessed the lowering of the Union Jack Flag at exactly 6.30 pm.
- Historical records bear witness that the declaration was also like a cure for the grief of the nation, after Melaka was held by the colonialists for more than 400 years.
- Revealing the facts, perhaps many do not know that the first Prime Minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, voiced his desire to establish Malaysia for the first time, during the Conference of Foreign Journalists in Southeast Asia, which was held at the Adelphi Hotel, Singapore on 27 May 1961.
- Long history has witnessed, it is not easy to shape Malaysia. Building a peg of understanding and seeking consensus for the approval of the Malay states, Sabah and Sarawak including Singapore.
- The referendum and negotiation process is very bitter and lasts a long time, demanding the understanding and patience of the fighters. All challenges prove that there are no shortcuts in creating a nation-state based on Parliamentary Democracy and a Constitutional Monarch.
- The resistance that was present at that time was internal and external, including the Communist rebellion, confrontation against the establishment of Malaysia, racial riots, economic challenges, religious, racial, cultural and language conflicts.
- Even so, let there be a thousand obstacles that stand in the way, Alhamdulillah every one that is murky, has been successfully cleared with determination and wisdom by previous fighters.
- Names such as Tunku Abdul Rahman, Tun Mohammad Fuad Stephens, Tun Datu Mustapha Datu Harun, Tun Abang Haji Openg Abang Sapiee, Tun Jugah Anak Barieng, and Tan Sri Abang Abu Bakar Abang Mustapha, are among the figures who have vomited negotiation of the establishment of Malaysia. These are among the fighters who bequeath us the blessing of prosperity.
- The Federation of Malaya was born as an independent and sovereign nation on August 31, 1957, and then the formation of Malaysia on the sacred date of September 16, 1963 , is evidence of the unification of the intentions and determination of the former national fighters. They fight based on one commitment.
My beloved Malaysian family,
- The process of building a Malaysian Family that is united and has a national identity, must continue to be maintained in order to guarantee the continuity of the sovereignty of the nation state.
- Integrating various states with diverse and diverse demographic backgrounds, added to the hilly geographical factors and the South China Sea as a divider, is not an easy task.
- As the country ages, the challenges and threats it faces become greater and more complex. The divisive enemy is present in the form of; economic, political, social as well as elements from outside who are actively trying to undermine the stability and order of the nation and the country.
- If these elements are allowed to spread and eventually culminate, it is feared that it will become a critical threat that can threaten the unity of the Malaysian Family.
- The embers that start to ignite butts, light bonfires , if not immediately curbed will fan the flames of enmity, sparking racial and religious strife that can weaken the Malaysian Family, further destroying the country. It’s like a forefinger, What’s cut to cut, it’s also perishable.
- Cultivating the unity of the Malaysian Family, which consists of various religious, racial, cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds, is a big and important agenda for the Government, for the sake of the survival of a peaceful, stable, harmonious and prosperous country.
- Therefore, the values of the Malaysian Family are based on; Inclusion, Togetherness and Gratitude are important ingredients in building the strength of the entire Malaysian Family, in order to continue to be united, strong and resilient in the face of the waves and currents of globalization.
- The values of Inclusion, Togetherness and Gratitude are also among the guarantees for survival, for Malaysia to continue to remain a peaceful, stable, harmonious and prosperous country.
- By combining the concept of Tasamuh outlined by Islam – that is living in mutual tolerance, harmony and comfort, avoiding prejudice and suspicion – all the differences and diversity that God has blessed this blessed earth, can be enjoyed and appreciated by the Malaysian Family with a sincere heart open
- Malaysia was formed and developed by providing guarantees of justice, protection and rights to every Malaysian Family consisting of various races; Malay, Chinese, Indian, Orang Asli, Kadazan, Dusun, Murut, Rungus, Bajau, Iban, Orang Ulu and others.
- All members of the Malaysian Family are free to practice the culture of the nation’s heritage, master various languages and adhere to the religion of their respective ancestors.
My beloved Malaysian family,
- At last year’s Malaysia Day celebrations, the Federal Government has expressed assurances to pay attention to issues related to the interests of Sabah and Sarawak.
- The Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2021 related to MA63, which was approved with the support of a two-thirds majority of Members of the House of Representatives, on 14 December 2021 is evidence that the Government is serious about strengthening the position of Sabah and Sarawak in the Federation of Malaysia.
- This effort is in line with the government’s transformation agenda to restore the confidence of the people, including foreign investors in the Government’s capabilities, in order to ensure political stability and national policy towards sustainable socioeconomic development.
- I, as the Chairman of the Special Council on the Malaysia Agreement 1963, will ensure that the rights of Sabah and Sarawak as contained in the MA63 agreement are preserved.
- This Special Council not only plays a role in unraveling some pending issues regarding the rights and position of Sabah and Sarawak, but also emphasizes efforts to develop and advance these two states.
- Like a proverb; equal measure, equal weight, the Government wants to see Sabah and Sarawak enjoy rapid development together, like other states in the peninsula.
- The government is also committed to eliminating the development gap and this is evidenced by the allocation of RM5.6 billion for Sabah, while RM4 billion for Sarawak this year to implement development projects such as water supply, electricity, and roads, as well as education and health facilities.
My beloved Malaysian family,
- As a multi-racial and multi-religious country, Malaysia Day should be a celebration that reminds the entire Malaysian Family of the strength of consensus and social cohesion based on national integration.
- The sacred date of September 16, should be used as a starting point to intensify determination and fuel the spirit of seeking equality. Standing on the same earth, the Malaysian Family needs to continue standing up to the same sky, cherishing the spirit of loyalty to the king and country.
- Finally, once again I express my appreciation to all parties involved in making the organization of Malaysia Day a success this year.
- Let us all pray that this sovereign earth will always be in abundance of God’s grace, be blessed with peace and prosperity and may harmonious relationships continue to be established in the spirit of the Malaysian Family.
Source: Prime Minister’s Office of Malaysia