KUCHING: The people’s quality of life and standard of living have changed since Independence Day and we are progressing well as a nation, said Assistant Minister of Youth Development Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
Abdul Karim (second right) flagging off the convoy at Kuching Waterfront Amphitheatre.
He said after gaining independence, Malaysia developed into a respected nation that enjoys political stability and social economic development.
“Compared to where we were before independence of the country, now our people had changed for a better society, living in the era of modernisation in communication and transport and living harmoniously in this multi-religious, multi-cultural and multi-racial society without fear as there are no more subversive threats from inside the country (period of communism),” he said before launching the ‘Kembara Merdeka Jalur Gemilang’ and ‘Kempen Kibar Jalur Gemilang 2014’ at Kuching Waterfront Amphitheatre.
“Our leaders who struggled for independence should be respected as they had succeeded in giving us sovereignty and we all especially our young people should thank previous leaders and we hope to continue their legacy so that this country will remain strong and a respected nation,” he added.
The Asajaya assemblyman said Sarawakians now can see development from Kuching division up to Limbang division which was non-existent before independence.
“This is because we also have been very tolerant with one another and respect each other and what we have in Sarawak should be an example for all Malaysians to follow irrespective of race, religion and culture,” he said.
He urged every household, company and the public sector to fly the Jalur Gemilang at their homes, business premises or offices to commemorate the Independence Day and to show the spirit of patriotism.
Abdul Karim, who represented Minister of Tourism Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg, later flagged off the convoy after giving away the national flags to various community leaders here. Acting state Information director Zaini Mohamad was among those present.
The convoy of vehicles led by the Information Department began their journey from the Kuching Waterfront Amphitheatre and proceeded to Bau and Lundu before going to other towns and ending their journey on Sept 16, which is Malaysia Day.
The national launching of this event was done by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak on Aug 18 at Putra Jaya.
This year’s theme is ‘Di Sini Lahirnya Sebuah Cinta’.