16 Sept important: PM

Kota Kinabalu: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said the Federal Government recognises September 16 as an important and auspicious date that must be remembered by all Malaysians.

He said Sept. 16 is not merely the day to close the Merdeka month but much more than that, it marked the day the Federation of Malaysia was formed.

“So it is an important date not only for the people in Sabah and Sarawak but also in Peninsular Malaysia,” he said when launching the inaugural Malaysia Day celebration at Padang Merdeka on Saturday night. The celebration graced by Head of State Tun Ahmadshah Abdullah was jointly-organised by the Ministry of Unity, Culture, Art and Heritage and the State Government.

Abdullah said the celebration was postponed to Oct. 18 this year since Sept.

16 falls during the fasting month. “God willing, the celebration would (again) be held on Sept. 16 next year,” he said.

The Prime Minister said the post-independence generation must never forget the sacrifice of the past leaders in achieving the independence for the country.

“Tengku Abdul Rahman Al Haj, Tun Mustapha and many more we must appreciate their contribution,” he said. Malaysia also managed to wade through the challenges such as communism and Indonesian confrontation early in its years as an independent country.

“We are not a race that never been tested before. We have been tested in many ways including our economy but it has been proven that we have the capability to overcome all these problems,” he said.

The theme, “Unity, The Thrust to Success” is appropriate, he said, adding, however that such a strong unity is not that easy to achieve, especially in a multi-racial country like Malaysia.

But, the tolerance and understanding spirit of all the people who rejected all negative values that could lead to split had further strengthened the bond of unity, he said. “We want to live together in peace and harmony.”

Meanwhile, Minister of Unity, Culture, Art and Heritage, Datuk Abdul Shafie Apdal said Padang Merdeka was chosen as it is closely related with the formation of Federation of Malaysia.

He said it was imperative to preserve the unity and consensus spirit, as it is the thrust to the country’s harmony in order to face future challenges.

“In order to mould a united race it must be based on patriotism and utmost loyalty to the country,” he said, adding that it was important for all not to take actions into their own hand that it would hurt the sensitivities of others.

Also on hand were foreign envoys who took time off from the Sabah International Expo (SIE) 2008 to attend the Malaysia Day celebration, ministers and elected representatives.

The people were treated to cultural show and performance of local artistes like Stacy AF, Jacyln Victor, Rem, Din Bisa, Ikhwal and others