Malaysians from the old and young generation, representing the various groups in the society, were given the opportunity to interact with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak in an informal session named 'Negaraku Merdeka Bersama Perdana Menteri' here recently.
"Today, I opt to make a difference, where my 'Merdeka' message will be delivered in a relax, informal and more friendly environment," said the prime minister at the start of his speech.
The groups of Malaysians are the special invitees to the event for the recording of of the Merdeka Message by the prime minister, the first time ever held at a townhall session and aired by all local television stations at 11 am today.
They comprised school students, academicians, professionals, Kuala Lumpur SEA Games 2017 athletes, members of the security forces and two former members of the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) who lowered the British Union Jack and replaced it by raising the Federation of the Malayan flag for the first time on Aug 31, 1957.
In previous years, the Merdeka Message by the Prime Minister was delivered at a more formal venue.
The townhall session began with a video show to recall the historic moments on Aug 31, 1957 and a chronology of the country's progress.
Before the programme started, Najib, clad in red shirt and brown pants, was greeted on arrival by a children mini-choir to sing the national anthem, Negaraku.
The Jalur Gemilang and flags of the various states that adorn the venue enhances the patriotic spirit among those present as they joined in singing the national anthem.
After the singing of the national anthem, the prime minister recalled the time when the country achieved its independence.
"Although, I am considered in the pre-merdeka category, the truth is when our country achieved its independence, I was only four-years-old and certainly I cannot remember the moment that has become very meaningful to us all.
"However, I can tell my experience, which is still etched in my mind, the time when I was growing up at Federal Hill KL. I can still remember cycling up and down the hill, going to school, playing fire crackers, climbing guava trees, like any youngsters do.
"I was born, grew up like other Malaysian children," he said to an applause from the audience.
After that, a student of Sekolah Menengah Jenis Kebangsaan Chong Hwa Gombak, Samuel Chau Jun Hao, stood up and asked the prime minister the challenges of becoming a Prime Minister for all Malaysians.
Najib said it was not easy to be a Prime Minister in a country with diverse race, religion and culture , but was proud that the people in the country were able to live in harmony with respect for the constitution and the Rukunegara.
"It's difficult Samuel. Look at my hair," he said while brushing his hair to laughter from those present.
Among those who gave their views and shared their experience at the session were director of the Research Centre for the Malay Rulers Institute, Prof Datin Paduka Dr Ramlah Adam, who thanked Tun Abdul Razak , when he was Education Minister, for including religious education as a subject in the country's education system.
Another was an architect with the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) project, Sarah Sofia Yahya, who shared her experience being involved in the country's mega public transportation project.
National gymnast Farah Ann Abdul Hadi and national sprinter Khairul Hafiz Jantan thanked Malaysians for supporting the national contingent at the KL SEA Games 2017.
The situation turned somber and melancholy when a former freedom fighter from Komando VAT 69, Tawel Jailani, shared his experience fighting the enemies to seek independence for the country.
"I can still feel how difficult it was at the battle field in fighting the enemies and watching my colleagues injured and killed," he said, while wiping his tears.
The audience was also taken to reminisce the time during the declaration of the country's independence 60 years ago by two retirees of the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN), Lt Commander (Rtd) Mohd Sharif Kalam and Warrant Officer 1 Commander (Rtd) Oliver Culvelt Samuel who were tasked to lower the British Union Jack and replaced it by raising the Federation of the Malayan flag for the first time on Aug 31, 1957.
Suddenly, the prime minister got up from his seat and went to shake hands with the two RMN retirees and hugged them, while crying out the word 'Merdeka'.
In the National Day message, the prime minister said his administration did not wish to waste time staving off allegations but would rather remain committed and determined to focus on efforts to spur intensive economic growth for the sake of the people.
Najib said his administration believed in service to the people which, he added, must go beyond politics and be in the people's interests.
The session lasted for about 45 minutes and ended with those present flying the Jalur Gemilang and shouting 'Merdeka' and 'Negaraku Malaysia'.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Thu Aug 31 2017
Najib says his administration believed in service to the people which, he adds, must go beyond politics and be in the people's interests. - Filepic
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.