Picture by IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: It was no small feat overcoming the many hurdles to give birth to Malaysia, and this must be appreciated by everyone, says the Prime Minister.
Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said there was no shortcut to creating a country that practises parliamentary democracy and a constitutional monarchy.
Melaka was chosen as the first venue outside of Sabah and Sarawak to celebrate Malaysia Day because Banda Hilir Melaka was the first to witness the lowering of the Union Jack in 1957, which marked the beginning of the nation's independence, he said.
"History is witness to the fact that this proclamation of independence was the end of the colonisation of Melaka after 400 years.
"It was not easy to form Malaysia then - to build an understanding and find a consensus among the Malay states, Sabah and Sarawak, as well as Singapore.
"The plebiscite process and negotiations were very tough and long, begging the patience of those who fought for it.
"Yet, we prevailed due to warriors such as Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, 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," said Ismail Sabri in his speech at the 59th Malaysia Day celebrations in Melaka.
The Prime Minister added that the sovereignty of the nation must be upheld by continuing to build a united "Malaysian Family", possessing one national identity.
"The older the country is, the bigger and more complex the challenges and threats become.
"The enemies which divide and threaten stability come in the forms of the economy, politics and other elements which we cannot allow to prevail," he said.
He said that the unity of the Malaysian Family was an important agenda, with attention given to the rights of Sabah and Sarawak as enshrined in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
"The Constitution (Amendment) Bill related to MA63 that was passed by a two-thirds majority in the Dewan Rakyat on Dec 14 last year is proof that the government is serious about strengthening the position of Sabah and Sarawak in the Federation of Malaysia.
"As the chair of the Special Council on MA63, I will ensure the rights of Sabah and Sarawak in MA63 are preserved as they are," said the Prime Minister.
Ismail Sabri said the Federal Government had allocated RM5.6bil and RM4bil for Sabah and Sarawak, respectively, for infrastructure development, education and health services.
"Malaysia Day must be a reminder to all members of the Malaysian Family to further push the spirit of finding our commonalities," he added.
Also at the event were Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Melaka Tun Mohd Ali Rustam, Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Sulaiman Md Ali, ministers and foreign dignitaries.
