Pledge to safeguard sovereignty

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PM warns those advocating secession, promises to listen to aspirations and requests of Sarawakians, Sabahans

Multi-ethnic Sarawakians celebrating the national-level 51st Malaysia Day in harmony at Miri City Fan last night.

MIRI: Those pushing for secession of Sarawak and Sabah from Malaysia will face legal action as the country is committed to moving forward.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak gave this warning in his speech at the Malaysia Day celebration at City Fan here last night.

“We will not be going back and are going to defend the sovereignty of Sabah and Sarawak in Malaysia and as the prime minister, this is my responsibility.

“If there is an attempt to undermine the national security and sovereignty, be prepared to face the full force of the law.”

The prime minister said he would listen and work closely with Sarawak and Sabah states in meeting the aspirations and requests of their people, including greater revenue from oil and gas produced in Sarawak and Sabah.

“I will defend the harmony and sovereignty of our country as one big family, listening and consider seriously the voices raised by the people.”

He also called for a stop to the debate over the number of years of the nation’s independence and whether it should be celebrated on Aug 31 or Sept 16.

“We are together through the good and bad times, and we will continue to march forward and make up for what is still lacking in these big states.”

Starting next year, Najib said there would no mention of the anniversary of National Day celebrated to promote greater spirit of oneness and solidarity across the nation.

“The national day will be celebrated on Aug 31 while Malaysia Day would continue to be celebrated on Sept 16, both days gazetted as public holidays,” he said.

Najib praised Yang Di-Pertua Negeri Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud, who officiated at the celebration, for bringing tremendous success and progress to Sarawak during his tenure as chief minister.

He praised the development the state had achieved and the harmony of its people since gaining Independence through the formation of Malaysia 51 years ago.

“This makes us all from outside coming to Sarawak and Sabah feels that we are one big family.

The distance from Putrajaya may be far but I never feel like an outsider in Sarawak,” he said.

The Head of State (fourth left) officiates at the Malaysian Day celebration as (from left) Adenan, Muhyiddin, Najib, Awang Tengah and Ahmad Shabery look on. — Bernama photo

Royal Malaysian Navy personnel trooping in with the Jalur Gemilang during the Malaysia Day celebration in Miri last night.

Najib addressing the crowd as Ahmad Shabery (partly hidden) and Awang Tengah (right) look on.

The Prime Minister said the shared destiny of Malaysians was reflected in the sacrifices of the security forces in upholding the responsibility of fighting to defend the sovereignty in Malaya, Sarawak and Sabah.

“The majority of Sabahans and Sarawakians said they do not regret the decision made 51 years ago,” he said.

Also present at the function were Toh Puan Raghad Kurdi Taib, Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Adenan Satem, Sabah Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Joseph Pairin Kitingan, federal and state cabinet ministers from Sabah and Sarawak.

Joint organising ministers Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hassan and Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek were pleasantly surprised by the huge turnout for the Malaysia Day celebration which exceeded the 20,000 target.