GEORGE TOWN – Chow Kon Yeow has hailed this year’s National Day celebration as signifying another milestone in the country’s history as for the first time there is a national unity federal government in place to lead Malaysia forward.
Hence, the Penang chief minister said the 66th Merdeka celebration since the Federation of Malaya’s independence is an achievement which the country should hold with pride.
“History was made when the national unity government was formed in the lead-up to the 66th Merdeka celebration. It has never happened before in politics.
It also reflected the wisdom of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, a royal institution which is the backbone to the unity and prosperity in the country, Chow said in a statement today.
He echoed that this year’s Merdeka theme of Malaysia Madani: Tekad Perpaduan, Penuhi Harapan (bolstering unity, fulfilling aspiration) can be a symbol of the togetherness of Malaysians from diverse races and religions.
The theme cultivates the hope to have one nation with one goal of mutual benefit despite its peoples’ diverse backgrounds, said Chow.
He urged the people to move away from the political conflict after the end of the recent state elections, and instead focus on governance based on the national unity principles.
“Without unity, we would not have achieved stability and progress. We should stop all forms of provocation and resorting to division by using religious and racial sentiments or spreading fake news on social media,” said Chow.
He vouched that Penang will continue on its progressive path since 2008, after the state brought in over RM200 billion worth of investments and cemented its status as the country’s leading exporter by exporting up to RM170.8 trillion worth of goods and services, and also establishing 222,000 job opportunities.
Chow also reminded that Penang possesses a grand vision of development under the Penang2030 Master Plan underpinned by an aim to become an intelligent and green city driven by the family institution.
“We are Penang and Penang can,” said Chow in his message. – The Vibes, August 31, 2023
