PEKAN: Malaysia is where it is today because of the contributions by all races to nation building, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said.
Without the participation of the Chinese and Indians in the talks for independence, the British may not have given it to Malaya (in 1957), the Prime Minister said.
“Many non-Malays also sacrificed their lives during the Japanese occupation and the Communist insurgency,” he said, adding that this must not be disputed and should be remembered.
A crush for oranges: Residents of Pekan in Pahang queuing up to receive free mandarin oranges at a function that was attended by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak yesterday. Najib, in his speech, said Malaysia is where it is today because of the contributions of all races to nation building.Citing examples in the sports arena, Najib said the national football team that recently won the AFF Suzuki Cup took their instructions from coach K. Rajagopal, while badminton world No 1 Datuk Lee Chong Wei stood by his coach Datuk Misbun Sidek.
“These players are bonded by the spirit of 1Malaysia, transcending racial boundaries in their quest to achieve success.” he said at a function to present Mandarin oranges to the people here yesterday.
Earlier, at a presentation of aid to poor pupils at the Umno building, Najib said Malaysia has many success stories of poor people making it good in life to serve as role models for others.
“These success stories that can tug the heart strings of the people are about sons of fishermen, general workers, labourers and clerks.
“Within one generation, they have become successful entrepreneurs, corporate figures and administrative officers,” he said, adding that the Government would continue to help the needy to ensure there is social equality for all.
Najib, who is Pekan MP, said the Government would continue to uphold a system of social justice for all through proper education.
Later in his speech when launching the Malaysia Ex-Kemas Members Association here, Najib said with the advent of information technology, people were expected to be polished in computer applications.
Aid for poor pupils: Najib with recipients from various schools after presenting bicycles and schoolbags in Pekan yesterday. Looking on is Pahang Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob (light blue shirt). — BernamaAsking people to change their mindset to move in tandem with mainstream development, he added that education was important as part of their struggles.
“We can only become a successful race if we adopt new ideas and technology.
“In this regard, Kemas, which was at the forefront to educate rural folks through ‘adult classes’ during the early independence years, must also evolve,” he said.
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