Malaysia Celebrates 51st Independence Day

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | August 01, 2008 by D-8 Secretariat

Malaysian PM, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, expressed confident Malaysians can overcome every test if all stand together

The true test of a country depends on how its people react in trying times, said Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi in his National Day message.

The Prime Minister said Malaysia was never free from challenges and obstacles but each one had been successfully overcome.

“I am confident and believe we can again overcome every test we are currently facing if we stand together and work hand in hand, with a strong determination and commitment to carry out our responsibilities.

“It is my desire that every Malaysian is able to truly inculcate and realise how important unity is among us all,” he said, adding that unity was the anchor that determined political stability, social harmony and economic resilience.

Abdullah noted that after the March 8 general elections, the country had to deal with a food crisis and a fuel hike that caused the price of basic goods to rise, as well as a higher inflation rate.

“All these are huge challenges to us and it might raise questions and concern among the people as to whether we would be able to handle the situation.

“We will continue to combat the problem of rising prices and inflation in the best possible way. The Government is always concerned about the burden of the people, especially those who are poor and those who are less fortunate,” he said.

He said the Government had also focused on improving noble values such as integrity, a more open media, and strengthening institutions like the Parliament, judiciary, the Anti-Corruption Agency, the police and civil service.

“The Government cannot realise all these goals on its own. It needs support from all parties, especially the Malaysian public,” he said.

Abdullah said the world respected Malaysia because not many countries with such a mix of races could live together harmoniously.

He nevertheless said the country still had a long way to go and much had to be done.

“We want to be a developed country in our own mould, that promises a bright future for every one of its citizens without discrimination against race, religion and background.

“This is not impossible if we unite, set aside differences and prejudices, and rise as a people with the resilience to face all enemies and challenges,” he said.

D-8 Secretary General, Dipo Alam, also expressed his organization’s best wishes to Malaysia for the occasion. He said that the organization views Malaysia as an important and long-standing partner within the organization. Malaysia is the largest exporter of palm oil and palm oil products to other memberstates which stood at 1.12 million tonnes in 2007. Other major exports were chemical products, electrical and electronics products, machinery and parts, textile and clothing.

In terms of investments, a large number of Malaysian companies are actively engaged in development projects, power generation projects, road construction, consultancy and telecommunication ventures in member countries, such as Pakistan. Among the ongoing mega projects in Karachi are the construction of a 47-storey IT Tower complex, the construction of a 25-kilometre elevated highway and the opening of the first-ever Malaysian Restaurant. In addition, Malaysia’s largest bank, Maybank, recently acquired 20 percent stake in Muslim Commercial Bank (MCB) Ltd, which is the largest-ever private sector cross-border investment in Pakistan.

A milestone in the framework of trade and economic relations of both the brotherly countries was the signing of the first-ever bilateral Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between two Muslim countries among the OIC in November 2007. The Agreement is Pakistan’s first comprehensive FTA incorporating trade in goods, services, investment and economic co-operation and Malaysia’s first bilateral FTA with any South Asian country. The Agreement will facilitate and strengthen the two-way trade and investment as well as enhance bilateral economic and industrial cooperation on a long-term basis between Malaysia and Pakistan.

Read Also

• D-8 Celebrates its 11th Anniversary: Set to Increase Cooperation
• Malaysia Celebrated the 52nd Anniversary of the Independence Day
• Indonesia, Malaysia Expect Trade to Hit $15billion
• Nigeria Celebrates 48 years Anniversary, Focusing on Strengthening Growth
• Malaysia ready to help farm and tourism sectors uplift in Pakistan
• Pakistan, Malaysia to sign FTA within 2 months
• Abundant Business Opportunities in Aceh, Indonesia, Says Malaysia
• Pakistan ready to sign MoU with Malaysia to abolish visa
• Pakistan-Malaysia Free Trade Agreement: progress in closer partnership in D-8
• Malaysia Ready to Help Farm and Tourism Sectors Uplift in Pakistan