MESSAGE BY THE RIGHT HONORABLE CHIEF MINISTER DATUK SERI PANGLIMA MUSA HAJI AMAN IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE MALAYSIA DAY CELEBRATION – 16 SEPTEMBER 2011
1. Today marks the second year we are celebrating Malaysia Day together as a nation, following a much welcomed decision last year to declare September 16 as a public holiday for the whole country. The formation of Malaysia on this day in 1963 was a historic event that brought together regions that are geographically separated by the South China Sea.
2. In the last 48 years, Malaysia has grown as a nation, and has transformed its economy, improving the standard of living among its citizens. I am pleased to note that the Federal Government is committed in efforts to bridge development gaps between different regions in Malaysia through timely and appropriate plans and policies. This allows the people, regardless of their background or geographical location, to truly take part in the nation’s progress.
3. I would like to take this opportunity to call on Malaysians in Sabah to continue contributing towards Malaysia’s success. While we take pride in the beauty and diversity of Sabah, we must not forget that we are part of a nation. Each state in Malaysia needs to cooperate with one another, and to collectively bring progress to the country. It is time to move away from parochial ways of thinking, especially among our younger citizens. As Malaysians, we all need to support each other and to instill mutual respect for our fellow countrymen, regardless of where they come from.
4. This leads me to reiterate the need for us to uphold unity, and to ignore any attempts that threaten to tear our people apart. We must accept that each individual is different, and embrace the strength that Malaysia’s cultural diversity offers. We have been taught by our elders to accept one another and this is something that we must continue to practice. It is my hope that we all continue to embrace 1Malaysia, and its true essence, bringing its positive values into the way we interact with one another. I am pleased that Malaysians in Sabah, a melting pot of diverse ethnicities and cultures, have for generations interacted well with one another, and continue to do so. The true meaning of 1Malaysia is practiced among Malaysians in Sabah.
5. I would like to take this opportunity to touch on the strong ties the Sabah State Government enjoys with the Federal Government. This good relationship allows Sabah to develop in tandem with the rest of Malaysia. As we move forward, I hope to see the development gap between Sabah and the rest of the nation narrow significantly with the implementation of the Tenth Malaysia Plan. We in Sabah are fully committed to making sure that all plans and policies, such as the Economic Transformation Programme, the National Key Result Areas, and the Government Transformation Programme, are carried out successfully for the benefit of the rakyat. I constantly remind the State civil service to give its best in ensuring that all projects planned for Sabah can be implemented without delay or bureaucratic obstacles.
6. Some of the on-going projects include those that were listed under the Sabah Development Corridor (SDC) launched in January 2008, and the “Halatuju” or State Development Agenda that was introduced eight years ago. Others are initiatives that were mooted by the State, and some are projects that are introduced through Federal funding. We are pleased that agropolitan programmes to bring rural communities out of poverty, and mini estates are starting to bear fruit. We will on our part continue to encourage the development of downstream products from the palm oil, and oil and gas sectors. We believe these two key sectors can create better economic spin-offs for the rakyat, and we want to see greater participation of locals in these initiatives. To make this a reality, we are aware that we need skilled workers, and for this reason, we have encouraged the growth of education institutes in Sabah, and this includes the education hub in Sandakan.
7. Sabah has seen tremendous economic growth in the last decade, compared to when we first gained independence in 1963. We have also matured politically, and improved our delivery of social programmes. We now have better infrastructure in many parts of the State, but this does not mean that the job is done. Gaps remain in certain areas, and in some aspects of the economy. Our main aim at present is to continue uplifting quality of life among Malaysians in Sabah. One way of doing this is to improve the condition of roads and to establish links to areas that are not accessible, and to make sure that more people will enjoy piped water and electricity supply. We are also always working closely with the Federal Government in ensuring that education reaches the most remote communities, and that more schools and institutes of higher education are built in different parts of the state. Healthcare is another aspect that we continue to pay close attention to, with hospitals and health clinics in almost every part of the State.
8. Politically, Sabah has over the years seen some of the most interesting developments. Despite uncertainties in the political landscape two decades ago, Sabah today boasts a strong representation in the Federal Cabinet. We are an important partner within the Barisan Nasional, and we know that by having a stable Government, we can continue to focus on our development plans, all aimed at bringing further progress to the people. I would like to call on leaders in the State to continue working hard for the people, and to refrain from politicking which takes away precious time from work that we must carry out.
9. As we celebrate 48 years within Malaysia, I would like to see Sabah becoming a developed and prosperous State. Above all, I would like to see the people living in peace, showing concern and respect for each other, regardless of their status or differences. As Malaysians, we have a vital role to play in helping to realise the nation's aspirations and vision. Without unity and loyalty to the nation in a diverse country like ours, all our efforts will be futile.
On that note, I wish all Malaysians a very happy Malaysia Day 2011.
Thank you.
Source : Chief Minister Department
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