Oleh/By : DATO' SERI DR. MAHATHIR BIN MOHAMAD
Tempat/Venue : RADIO AND TELEVISION MALAYSIA
Tarikh/Date : 30/08/92
Tajuk/Title : NATIONAL DAY MESSAGE
We thank Almighty Allah for His blessings for today we
are able to once again celebrate our national day -- our day
of independence.
2. It has been 35 years since we gained independence and
Malaysians have every reason to feel proud, happy and grate-
ful. We are grateful because Malaysia currently is one of
the few countries in the world which continues to be pros-
perous, stable, peaceful and harmonious. We should be
proud because Malaysia's multiracial population have been
able to live harmoniously, united and with mutual respect
and understanding. We have been very fortunate because we
do not encounter any racial or religious conflicts as in the
case of some countries which have resulted in the loss of
lives and destruction of property. We also do not face
starvation, oppression or war.
3. The calm situation has enabled us to perform our daily
tasks peacefully. Malaysians can carry out their religious
practices without hindrance.
4. In addition to this political stability, the Malaysian
economy is strong and growing rapidly. Malaysia's orderly
management of the economy has resulted in a high growth
rate. This rate is expected to be sustained at a high
level. This encouraging economic growth has enabled
Malaysians to continue to enjoy a high standard of living.
The Government's revenue is adequate for the growing needs
of industrial and infrastructural development.
5. Malaysia also has a very low unemployment rate. We
have succeeded in stabilising the prices of goods. Apart
from this, we also have managed to reduce poverty. While in
the past, the people, especially those in the rural areas,
had no access to basic amenities like clinics, schools,
roads, water and electricity, now they have been provided
with such facilities.
6. We can be proud also that we have a high standard of
education and an efficient administration. Today all
Malaysian children have access to the highest level of edu-
cation, right up to the post-graduate level. Today many
university students come from the rural areas. Our adminis-
trative machinery is comparable to that of other developed
countries. We have been successful in developing the coun-
try rapidly because we have a Government which is sensitive
to the needs of the people.
7. These are indeed Malaysia's achievements and advantage.
When we achieved independence 35 years ago, many people pre-
dicted that this country will collapse because it is multi-
racial, multicultural and multireligious. But now Malaysia
has proven to the world that its multiracial nature did not
prevent it from achieving progress and success. In fact if
its people are hardworking, disciplined and show respect for
one another, a multiracial nation can be successful and
achieve excellence.
8. Although we have been successful in our development
these past 35 years, we must always be wary and continue to
strive hard. The Government has outlined a vision of a de-
veloped nation towards which we should strive. Therefore,
this year's theme "Vision - The Basis of Progress" is most
appropriate and consistent with the objective we have set
for the year 2020.
9. As an independent nation we have to guard the nation's
dignity and sovereignty. A poor nation will not only be a
burden to its people but will not gain the respect of oth-
ers. A poor nation will not be able to act freely because
it is too dependent on the help and goodwill of others. If
we do not attempt to forge ahead from now we will remain a
poor nation. If this happens, then the tragic situation ex-
perienced by a number of countries, will befall us. If this
happens then our independence, of which we are so proud,
will no longer be meaningful. What is the meaning of inde-
pendence if, because we are weak and poor, we are unable to
defend the truth? Of what use is an independent nation, if
its people live in misery and is perpetually dependent on
the charity of others? To protect our dignity and sover-
eignty as a truly independent country, we must turn Malaysia
into a developed nation, comparable to other developed coun-
tries.
10. The path towards 2020 is certainly not easy and will be
full of challenges. Each step that we take will be met with
all kinds of obstacles.
11. Nevertheless, we must have faith in our ability to
achieve the objectives of Vision 2020. With independence we
have succeeded in overcoming many barriers and managed to
equip ourselves with knowledge and skill we never had be-
fore. By increasing our effort and determination, God-
willing, our vision will become a reality.
12. To become a developed nation, one must ensure political
stability, unity and sustainable economic growth. We must
continue to cooperate and be united. We must also be wary
of others who are out to disrupt the unity among the races.
If we do not unite, then our objective of becoming a devel-
oped nation will not be realised. I am confident that
Malaysians who love peace and stability will do everything
possible to avoid disrupting this harmony.
13. The national day celebration means a lot to us. It
gives us the opportunity to reflect on the history of our
struggle for independence from the colonialists, in addition
to enabling us to evaluate our achievements for the 35 years
of self rule. By reflecting and understanding the history
of our people's struggle, Malaysians, especially those born
after independence, will be able to appreciate better the
true meaning of independence. It will also enlighten us to
the importance of a life free from colonialism. We must al-
ways remember that colonialism can appear in other forms.
14. As with our past leaders who, in their struggle for in-
dependence, had had their own vision to liberate Malaysia
from colonialism so now we have formulated a vision that
will take our nation to a higher level of development.
15. God-willing, with the mobilisation of efforts by
Malaysians at all levels, our objective of becoming a devel-
oped nation will be realised.
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