KOTA KINABALU: This year’s Malaysia Day is different because, for the first time, it is being celebrated under a Federal Government formed by Pakatan Harapan (PH).
Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad noted that all the previous celebrations were held under the rule of Barisan Nasional (BN) and Perikatan before it.
He said Pakatan Harapan’s victory in the 14th General Election was not a small feat as most political analysts and observers had said that it would be difficult for PH to take over and some had even claimed that it was impossible.
“Alhamdulillah, PH succeeded even though it was unexpected and this is based on the wishes of the people,” he said at the 55th Malaysia Day celebrations in Padang Merdeka here tonight.
“It is people’s power where those who turned their backs on the people received the same fate. This is something PH and Parti Warisan Sabah should understand.
“This change is also expected to see the Malaysia Baru slogan used extensively.
“The wishes of the people and the leaders are closely tied. We do not want the kleptocratic way of governing that denies democracy and is not based on the rule of law.
“Among the main things we must change is the corruption which has been around Umno and BN leaders, as well as the government machinery under them.”
Dr Mahathir said the belief that ‘Cash is King’ under the previous government was not true and must be rejected.
He said the country must return to the slogan of “Clean, Efficient and Trustworthy”.