Emulate nation’s heroes, youth told
> Patriotic spirit vital for country to achieve top 20 global standing, says Najib
PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia’s youth have been urged to emulate the patriotism shown by the nation’s defenders and veterans.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak said this spirit is pivotal in the country’s aim of becoming one of the top 20 nations by 2050 as part of the National Transformation 2050 (TN50) plan.
“The younger generation must continue with the fighting spirit. With such spirit and courage, Malaysia can achieve its aim of becoming one of the top 20 nations (by 2050),” he said yesterday at the 49th Warriors’ Day celebration at Dataran Pahlawan here.
He also lauded the security forces and said they were the main assets in upholding the country’s peace and security.
Najib said the country has managed to expand its markets and economies and improve its global rankings in many areas due to the contributions and sacrifices of the armed forces and the police.
“Malaysia expanded its economy by 5.8% in the second quarter, among the highest rates in the world, and this is largely due to the peace and security in the country.”
According to the Global Peace index, Malaysia is the 29th most peaceful country and is the 23rd most competitive economy in the Global Competitiveness Index 20172018.
“Without peace provided by the armed forces and police, these rankings would not be achievable and investors would not want to come to the country. Investors have faith in Malaysia, and tourists come to visit us,” he said, adding that the security forces should be remembered and honoured every day, and not only on Warriors’ Day.
Najib said the government will continue to support the security forces by looking after their welfare and providing facilities for servicemen and veterans.
Also present were Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein, armed forces chief Jen Tan Sri Raja Mohamed Affandi Raja Mohamed Noor and InspectorGeneral of Police Tan Sri Mohamad Fuzi Harun.
A total of 606 officers and personnel of various ranks from the army, air force, navy, police, Malaysian Armed Forces Veterans Association and the Malaysian Ex-Policemen Association took part in a parade at the event, which was led by DSP Mohd Farid Padzillah, and assisted by ASP Mohd Zulfadly Zulfikli
Guests at the event were entertained by a poem recital titled Pahlawan, by Supt Rose Baini and navy lieutenant Bakhri Shah Abdullah.
It was followed by a pantomime performance on the fight by police against the communists in 1971.
July 31 was declared Warriors’ Day by the then government, in conjunction with the end of the Emergency period.
The declaration was made by the country’s first prime minister Tunku Abdul Rahman.