KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak tonight declared Sept 4 as a public holiday as reward for the country’s spectacular achievement in the just-ended Sea Games.
He announced this at the end of the closing ceremony of the games at the National Stadium Bukit Jalil here.
His announcement, at the stroke of midnight, was greeted with an explosion of cheers and applause from thousands of spectators who packed the stadium for the closing ceremony.
Najib said it was a night of happiness for Malaysians as the country had collected the highest number of gold medals in the games and that it was celebrating Merdeka day tomorrow.
“But, it is not only a double joy as we score a triple joy when Malaysia has also been declared as the overall champion of this Sea Games,” he said.
In a visibly upbeat mood, Najib said the government wished to record its appreciation to the Malaysian athletes, games officials and organisers for the achievement in the games.
“I congratulate you. You are the champion, our pride and inspiration,” he said, adding that he also wished to congratulate Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin for the Malaysia’s success.
“We also offer an appreciation to Malaysians of all races for cheering on our athletes regardless of whether they win or lose. Malaysians are great,” he said.
Najib said there was a need for the country to “raise the bar” in the sporting fields in the years ahead.