GEORGE TOWN: The Merdeka celebration this year is exceptionally special as Malaysians are not only celebrating their freedom from the clutches of colonialist but from the previous government, Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said.
The Prime Minister told a crowd of over 30,000 people, who attended the launch of the national-level Merdeka month and Fly the Jalur Gemilang 2018 events at Padang Kota Lama here tonight, that they should be proud of themselves for bravely opting for a change in government in the 14th General Election.
He said the people should also be happy for having done so peacefully without any riot, unlike many other countries, to the extent that the old government had to admit its defeat and surrender power to the new government.
“Voting out the old kleptocratic government, which had ruled with an iron claw, is an extraordinary achievement for all. You are the ones who set yourselves free.
“This is the people’s victory. Let the world see how all of you played a role in saving the country.
“As such, the Merdeka celebration this year is all the more meaningful for all,” he said to loud cheers from those present.
The event was also broadcasted live on local television.
Elaborating, Dr Mahathir said the new government has to spend a lot of time to clean up the mess of the past.
“But with all your support, we are able to face whatever challenges that come our way,” he said, adding that the current government is not seeking revenge but stated that action needs to be taken against those who have wronged the country.
“We do not want to be cruel to anyone but we will do things according to the rule of law,” he added.
Dr Mahathir also urged the people to be patient and to give the new government time to put the country back on the right track.
“We are doing our best to ensure Malaysia is moving towards becoming the Asian Tiger again, and we are confident of achieving it.
“Even if we don’t, we know we are on the right track,” he said.
Meanwhile, Dr Mahathir also urged all Malaysians to continue to prove their love for the country by proudly flying the Jalur Gemilang, wherever they may be.
“Show your patriotism and love for the country, as you did when you change the government,” he said.
Dr Mahathir also thanked all Malaysians for helping to rebuild the country by generously donating towards the Tabung Harapan.
“This is our Malaysia and we should all be proud of it.”
The Prime Minister, who was accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, also flagged off 20 cars and 40 high-powered motorcycles involving 135 participants for the Kembara Merdeka Jalur Gemilang convoy.
Also present were Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and Communications and Multimedia Minister Gobind Singh Deo. Others included Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Dr Ali Hamsa.
Earlier, the crowd went wild as soon as the emcee announced Dr Mahathir and Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali’s arrival.
This is the Prime Minister’s first official visit to the state after the 14th General Election.
Reporting by Audrey Dermawan, Siti Sofia Md Nasir, Hadzlihady Hassan, Mohamed Basyir