PM Najib: No turning back for Sabah, Sarawak
By ADIB POVERA | New Straits Times – Tue, Sep 16, 2014
MIRI: There is no turning back for Sarawak and Sabah from its inclusion in Malaysia and the Federal Government will spare no efforts to defend the sovereignty of the two states.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, in his speech in conjunction with the national-level Malaysia Day celebration here last night, also issued a stern warning against those who try to threaten the security of the two states.
He said the nation, including Sarawak and Sabah, has come a long way since its establishment 51 years ago, which makes the issue of the east Malaysian states seceding from Malaysia irrelevant.
“There is no turning back. Together as the people of Malaysia, regardless if we are Sarawakians or Sabahans, there will be no turning back for us all.
“We will continue to defend the sovereignty of Sabah and Sarawak in Malaysia. And as a responsible prime minister, it is my duty to protect the nation from those threatening our security and sovereignty.
“We will take action against this unscrupulous lot because we live in a nation that loves harmony,” he said to thunderous applause from the 30,000-strong crowd which had thronged the Miri City Fan Complex here.
Joining the celebrations were Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud, his wife Toh Puan Sri Ragad Kurdi, Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, chief minister Tan Sri Adenan Satem and Sabah Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan, who represented Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman.
Also present were several cabinet ministers including Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek, Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Liow Tiong Lai, Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Rohani Abdul Karim, Ministers in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Abdul Wahid Omar and Datuk Wee Ka Siong, as well as Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Ali Hamsa.
Also in attendance were the prime minister’s wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor and Muhyiddin’s wife Puan Sri Nooraini Abdul Rahman.
Najib said the massive turnout at the grand event was proof that the people of East Malaysia did not regret the decision made by the two states to join the Malaysian Federation as one nation.
“I am happy to see the people in Sabah and Sarawak continuing to enjoy the 1,001 ‘rahmat’ (blessings) after the two states achieved its independence by joining Malaysia,” he said.
Najib also announced that from next year, the Aug 31 Merdeka celebrations would be commemorated without mentioning the anniversary year.
He said the decision was made to put an end to the debate on whether the country should celebrate its sovereignty on Aug 31 or Sept 16.
“However, I would like to stress that we will still celebrate September 16 as that was when Sabah and Sarawak joined Malaysia.
“’The Merdeka celebration is for us all, and August 31 is the date of the nation’s independence as announced by (the country’s first prime minister) Tunku Abdul Rahman (Putra Al-Haj),” he said
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