Show love to country – Pairin
TAMBUNAN: Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Joseph Kitingan said Sabah continued to develop successfully since independence and the formation of Malaysia.
“Sabah is now a prosperous and peaceful state with its multiracial society respecting each other regardless of religious affiliation, differences in belief and skin colour,” he said in his opening speech at the district level National Day celebration held at Pisompuruan Squre here yesterday.
He said the people’s attitude towards independence was their main asset and they should be proud of it as it remained to this day.
According to him, it is not surprising that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak had made Sabah an example of the 1Malaysia idea.
Pairin, who is also Infrastructure Development Minister, said that every independence started with a pure struggle and unparalleled sacrifice.
He said at the independence month celebration, it was time for the people to commemorate the struggle of fighters, many of them sacrificed themselves to demand independence in the past.
“Indeed, their struggle is not something that is easy and because of their sacrifices we become independent citizens today, free to do anything without having to think about security and violence.
“In celebrating this independence, we need to show love to the country other than to assemble like this, especially to the youth.
“For example, climbing Mount Wakid with a Malaysian or Sabah flag or cycling to the Sinurambi Viewing Tower of Tambunan by putting flags on their bikes and even more in the Year of Visit Tambunan this year,” he said.
Pairin, who is also Keningau member of parliament, said there were many other ways to show love for the country and it was up to each individual to do so it as long as it did not violate the law.
He also urged the people to strive to continue to contribute unparalleled love to this beloved country without expecting any reward.
“At the same time, guide and cultivate the spirit of independence in the younger generation who will embrace the country in the future.
“What is important,” Pairin said, “is do not forget that everything that’s happening today does not happen overnight.”
According to him, everything gained through the efforts of past leaders and predecessors, hopefully would continue to prosper forever.
More than 1,000 people attended the event where security briefing was delivered by ESSCom officers, Inspector Mohd Fakzul Hisham Ahmad Razi and Special Affairs Department assistant director, Masilin Ibrahim.
Pairin together with Tambunan District Officer Thomas Logijin who is also the coordinating committee chairman, then took part in the march past together with the heads of state and federal government departments, community leaders and nongovernmental organizations as well as school students around the town of Tambunan, waving the Jalur Gemilang and Sabah flag.