Walk4Malaysia reflects Malaysian spirit to promote peace - Najib

Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak today praised the Walk4Malaysia programme of walking a distance of 600 kilometres from Kuala Besut in Terengganu to Putrajaya, saying it reflected the spirit of Malaysians to promote peace and reconciliation. The prime minister singled out participant Mohd Noor Mat, 47, and said he was one of those people who wanted to prove that no obstacles or challenges stood in the way of realising that dream. Mohd Noor, a staff of the Terengganu Islamic Foundation from the Besut branch, will be fulfilling a vow to walk from Kuala Besut to Putrajaya following the Barisan Nasionals victory in the Kuala Besut state by-election on July 24. "We are impressed by the desire and dedication exemplified by Mohd Noor who sees the walk as an opportunity rather than an obstacle or challenge," Najib said in his speech at the launch of Walk4Malaysia, here. The text of prime minister's speech was read out by Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin. Also present was Terengganu Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Said. Najib said it was hoped that walking would foster a healthy lifestyle in Malaysians, and added that people must walk daily to improve individual fitness and workplace productivity. Ex-serviceman Mohd Noor will be walking with about 40 other people for 13 days from Sept 22, starting at Dataran Kuala Besut. They will walk for as long as eight hours per day, from 8 am to 5 pm, stopping at 13 pre-determined destinations, until they reach Putrajaya on Oct 4. The prime minister said Mohd Noor's determination and resilience to realise the effort would not have been possible without the support of the Terengganu government, as the organiser, and the participation of government agencies and sponsorship of corporate companies. At a news conference after the launch, Khairy said the younger generation should emulate the determination of the ex-serviceman who was prepared to take up the challenge to prove his love for the country. He said he hoped that Mohd Noor would be successful in his endeavour. Meanwhile, Mohd Noor pledged to undertake the task with vigour. "On behalf of the villagers, as the representative of Malaysians, I make this vow, not to the prime minister or the menteri besar but to God, that I will complete the walk with courage and sincerity. "This is because the nation very much needs the people to rise to the occasion. The collapse of the BN will lead to the downfall of Malaysia," he said, his voice choking with emotion. Mohd Noor had previously walked more than 200 kilometres, from Kuala Besut to Kemaman. The father of seven often engages in walking activities to maintain his fitness.