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Published: Wednesday August 29, 2012 MYT 9:51:00 PM
Updated: Wednesday August 29, 2012 MYT 9:52:40 PM

PM: Unity of all races in Malaysia has ensured country's sovereignty


KUALA LUMPUR: With the approach of Malaysia's 55th Independence Anniversary, Malaysians should not forget that unity of all the races in the country has ensured Malaysia's sovereignty, without which the country would not be what it is today, said Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

The Prime Minister said there was much to be learned from the lessons brought forth by the country's forefathers.

"Let us never forget that it was the unity of our Malay, Chinese and Indian ancestors, and not any one race alone that pushed back the communist insurgents and drove them out.

"Let us never forget that we stood with the Iban/Dayak and Kadazan/Dusun people of Sabah and Sarawak, as the nation rose from the backwardness of colonialism.

"Let us never forget it was as a country standing as one, with the greatest minds from all specialities and all walks of life coming together to propel us to the top of the global pile," said Najib in his 1Malaysia blog entry titled '55 Years of Development Through Harmony', here, Wednesday.

"We celebrate Merdeka in remembrance of those actions and lessons which have brought us our sovereignty, without which Malaysia would not be what it is today.

"To me, standing above all else is 1Malaysia, for it is this which symbolises everything that has contributed greatest to our country's wellbeing.

"Regardless of ethnicity or religion, race or creed, I ask all Malaysians to cherish the road our multi-racial history has taken us," he said in conjunction with the country's Merdeka Day celebration this Friday.

"How many countries can boast of having citizens of diverse ethnicities coming together for teh tarik at the local mamak (eatery) to watch the Olympics and cheer our athletes, celebrate sports and our nation as one," he added.

Najib also said that there was much about Malaysia's development that Malaysians should be proud of.

"Our economy is growing at a strong and steady pace, while growth around much of the world is either flat or falling. Our capital markets are reaching record highs as the global markets continue to struggle, with FGVH and IHH Healthcare recording the world's second and third largest listings.

"And our success is reflected in the global rankings - we have the 15th most efficient goods market, we are placed 26th in terms of developed infrastructure, and we stand as the 18th most competitive economy," he added.

Najib said much of the country's progress and prosperity could be attributed to the country's forefathers "and we should be thankful to them for it".

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