Oleh/By		:	DATO' SERI DR. MAHATHIR BIN MOHAMAD 
Tempat/Venue 	: 	RADIO MALAYSIA 
Tarikh/Date 	: 	20/04/82 
Tajuk/Title  	: 	SPEECH 




We achieved our independence 25 years ago. In this 25 years period we have
faced many challenges and experienced various changes. These changes have
benefited the country and all its people. We have achieved success in many
of various races and from all walk of life.

2. The confidence given by the people to the Alliance and the National
Front is a wise decision. We do not only enjoy peace, harmony, stability
and prosperity, but each one of us also, directly and indirectly, have
benefited from these achievements. Here and there we can see land being
cleared for development, people being resettled in new development areas,
houses and buildings being built, roads and various modes of transport
being improved and extended, various facilities like piped water,
electricity, health centers, schools, places of worship and many others
are built or provided. The living standards of the people of various
groups, races and social strata have improved.

3. Today many of us, including those in the rural areas, can be proud of
their own achievements. Our children and relatives have not only received
education, but more than that they have received education in institutions
of higher learning locally and overseas, including in countries such as
Egypt, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, the United States and many National Front
Government to ensure that democracy is upheld.

7. Besides our various achievements, we still have many things to attend
to. We are still in the process of consolidating a strong foundation for
justice and national unity. We are still in the process of restructuring
our society eradicating poverty, and improving the quality of life of our
people. We are still in the process of developing our country as a nation
so as to be on equal standing with the developed countries, but with an
equal emphasis on high spiritual and moral values together with material
and physical progress.

8. The National Front accepts the reality that Malaysia is a multi-racial
country. We hold in trust the responsibility of protecting the interest
and welfare of everyone. In turn it is the role and responsibility of each
one of us to collectively ensure a better and prosperous future for
Malaysia.

9. We believe that the people who should inherit this country and continue
with the struggle to achieve our national aspiration shall be the people
who believe and uphold the Rukunegara. The National Front will ensure the
position of Islam and at the same time will protect the freedom of worship
for everyone.

10. We believe in being friends with everyone based on mutual
respect. This principle is not only applicable to inter relationships
within our society but also in the context of our relations with foreign
nations. We will continue to give priority to our relationship with Asean
countries and Islamic nations. Together with the other Muslim countries we
will continue to seek appropriate solution to the problems faced by the
Muslims and together with the developing countries we will strive to
ensure a just system of international relations.

11. The National Front gives a high priority to it's responsibility to the
people, to justice for all to share in the prosperity and opportunities
that exist in this country and to moderation in all our actions. We will
continue to uphold these principles in the interest of the people and the
trust that is placed upon us.

12. Only a strong Government can champion the cause of the people and
bring stability and prosperity to the country.

It is not a strong opposition that can ensure a Government that is clean,
efficient and trustworthy. On the other hand this can be achieved with the
wise decision of the people in giving full confidence to the National
Front because it is the people who will judge the National Front when it
faces the people for a fresh mandate.

13. The National Front is a team. It's strength is not based on an
individual, the ability of member or a leader.

It's strength lies in it's team spirit. This is the basis for its unity
and it's success. The National Front team consist of competent individuals
who are capable of giving service and who represent the interest of
various groups and social strata.

14. The National Front promises a Government which is clean, efficient and
trustworthy. God willing with the support of the people we will fulfill
this promise and God willing the people will benefit from this pledge.

Ladies and gentlemen 

15. On the 22nd of April the people will once again have the honour to
determine the distiny and future of this country. I am confident that you
will use your voting rights with care and wisdom to ensure a safe and
better future for us and the future of our children. I hope you will place
your trust in the National Front.