Embrace spirit of independence, PM tells Malaysians

By Adib Povera August 30, 2020 @ 9:23pm

KUALA LUMPUR: Although Malaysia has achieved a myriad of successes and made great strides in various fields since gaining its independence 63 years ago, it must continue to move forward and transform into a developed nation, says Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

He said it was imperative for the country to progress in order for its people to tangibly experience the benefits of development.

Addressing the country in a televised address tonight in conjunction with the National Day celebration from the Merdeka Stadium, Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said the progress he aspires for the country transcends mere economic figures.

"It involves not only figures related to economic growth indicators, stock exchange index, domestic and foreign direct investments but instead, the source of income and quality of life.

"Economic growth indicators will only be meaningful when the people have sufficient income, a comfortable home to live in, access to quality education and good healthcare, as well as a sustainable and safe environment," he said.

He noted that not all Malaysians are fortunate. Some, he said, have to work multiple jobs to make ends meet while many do not have enough savings to continue if they lose their jobs.

He said such woes were evident when the government was forced to shut several economic activities following the implementation of the Movement Control Order (MCO) when the Covid-19 outbreak was at its peak.

"That's why the first thing the government did was introduce various forms of assistance to help the rakyat.

"The government had introduced the Bantuan Prihatin Nasional, moratorium on loan repayment, special facility assistance for small and medium industries, wage subsidy programme and other assistance amounting to RM260 billion to lessen the people's burden.

"Alhamdulillah, the assistance to some extent helped ease the people's burden during the challenging time," he said.

Muhyiddin reiterated that the decision to subsequently relax restrictions, allow almost all economic sectors to resume and roll out the RM35 billion Penjana Economic Recovery Plan was necessary to save the country from irreparable economic damage.

"Alhamdulillah, the economic sectors in the country has become more active with some 15 million people having resumed work. Unemployment has also dropped from 5.3 per cent in May to 4.9 per cent the following month.

"I understand that several economic sectors were severely affected by the pandemic and that it will take some time to recover.

"If these trends in economic recovery continue, I am sure that the economy will recover at a faster rate," he said.

The prime minister also said the Perikatan Nasional government under his leadership is an administration that prioritises the wellbeing and welfare of the people.

"I want to stress that the Perikatan Nasional government is government that is 'Prihatin Rakyat'.

"These principles have been manifested and reflected in the implementation of economic stimulus packages announced previously.

"InsyaAllah (God Willing), these principles will also be reflected in the 2021 Budget as well as all policies, initiatives and economic stimulus packages in the future.

"Although the government is in a difficult situation, the welfare of the people will never be neglected," he said.

Meanwhile, on Malaysia celebrating its 63rd year of independence, Muhyiddin said the significance of independence cannot be emphasised enough.

"This opened a new chapter for our country. After hundreds of years of being occupied, we retained our rights as a people with dignity. We are now able to decide our fate and the direction of the country without being shackled by others," he said.

Muhyiddin said in line with this year's National Day theme of 'Malaysia Prihatin', he urged the people to embrace the spirit of independence by constantly caring for one another.

"Care for our family, friends, neighbours, colleagues and the loved around us. Care also for our nation. Uphold its independence, defend its sovereignty, preserve its peace.

"Insyaallah, this nation we love will forever remain independent, free and sovereign."