Don’t take peace for granted: PM

> Najib reminds people of sacrifices by fallen heroes in achieving independence

KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak yesterday called on the people not to be complacent and take lightly the independence and peace enjoyed by the country for the past 59 years.

The prime minister said many took the prevailing positive and favourable circumstances for granted, without knowing that it was not easy to achieve.

“Our heroes sacrificed their lives and shed their blood to achieve and preserve the independence and harmony that we have today,” he said on his official Facebook page after launching the Monument Park Project here on Sunday.

“Looking at the National Monument, I was overcome with sadness. The faces of our heroes who were killed while fighting to preserve peace and harmony in the country filled my mind,” he said.

Najib also called on the people to express gratitude and (for Muslims) offer “AlFatihah” to the fallen heroes.

Malaysia attained independence on Aug 31, 1957 after the British handed over administration of the country to the citizens of the Federation of Malaya.

The Monument Park Project is set to transform the area surrounding the National Monument into an urban jungle park, as part of efforts to turn Kuala Lumpur into a world-class city.

The project, covering 26.7ha, will see the completion of its first phase in the middle of 2018 that is aimed at increasing recreation areas for city dwellers.

Najib expressed hope the park would be synonymous with Kuala Lumpur in the same way Hyde Park and Central Park is known in London and New York respectively. – Bernama