KOTA KINABALU: SABAH Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman said he is disturbed by “escalating discussions” indicating that Sabah should secede from Malaysia.
Describing such talk as irresponsible as it could fuel hatred and anger, Musa said “those with different opinions should close ranks and resolve to make Sabah a better place by bringing up issues that need to be addressed via the right platform”.
In his Malaysia Day message, Musa said the federal and state governments were always willing to listen to the people and ensure that the rights of all, as enshrined in the Federal Constitution, were protected.
He said the state government was committed to safeguarding peace and racial harmony, and getting everyone to accept and respect each other.
“There is no room here for those who want to stir up racial sentiments. Efforts are constantly being made to ease the burden of those from the lower-income group and to reduce poverty.”
Musa said there was bound to be more Malaysian success stories in the future.
“The country is thriving, stable and has continued to grow since the day it was formed 51 years ago after many rounds of talks that had brought together regions separated by the sea.
“We are a resilient country and we must take stock of our achievements and strive to do better in bringing progress for Malaysia in the years to come.
“Malaysians have proven that we are capable of great achievements in diverse areas and I am positive that we will see more success stories in future.”
Musa said the people must remember that they were part of the nation and, thus, should support one another in making progress.
“We need to broaden our thinking and embrace all Malaysians, irrespective of belief, culture and background.”
In Kuala Lumpur, MCA president Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said the Malaysia Day celebration in Miri reflected the country’s diversity and unity, which bound together people of different races and religions.
Malaysia Day gave the people the opportunity to look back and appreciate the peace and stability enjoyed by the nation, he said.
“The theme ‘Malaysia, Where Love Grows’ is ideal as it depicts the fact that a large majority of us are working hard to live as one nation.
“Our nation’s success would not have been possible without decades of unity, passion for progress and the spirit of competitiveness, which have driven us to build a better Malaysia.”
Liow, who is also transport minister, said history was an important reminder of the nation’s struggles and the people must work together to realise the aspiration to become a developed nation by 2020.
MIC president Datuk Seri G. Palanivel called on Malaysians to remember not only the day Malaysia was born, but also the challenges ahead.
“This year has been especially challenging for us, following the incidents involving Malaysia Airlines flights MH370 and MH17.”
MH370, a Boeing 777-200 aircraft, disappeared on March 8 with 239 people on board, while MH17, which had 298 people on board, was shot down in eastern Ukraine.
Palanivel, who is also natural resources and environment minister, said the people would continue to stand united in both good and bad times.
“We, Malaysians from diverse religious and racial backgrounds, will stand in solidarity in facing these challenges.”
He said the nation’s diversity was a unique characteristic.
“It is our priority to safeguard the unity, peace and harmony among the various races in the country.”
He said as Malaysians observed the celebration, “we must, at the same time, rediscover the spirit that defined our past, which will lead us to the future”. Additional reporting by Teoh Pei Ying