22nd December, 2009
KENINGAU: Sabah is leading the way in practising the concept of 1Malaysia where all races are living in harmony.
Deputy International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Mukhriz Tun Dr Mahathir said that the concept was nothing new in Sabah as it is the way of life in the State.
“Having more than 30 races with different religious background, Sabah has shown that the concept can be practised by all Malaysians,” he said.
With 1Malaysia, it also means that the government wanted to see the lives of the poor be improved and that development would reach all walks of life. Speaking at a Bakti Family Day gathering at Kampung Kuit Mukim Lanas Sook, about 70km from here Sunday, he said good family upbringing was important for the young generation to understand others better.
“We have to preserve our unity and harmony at all cost for the country to progress and achieve the Vision 2020,” he said.
Mukhriz said that the federal government was mindful of the underdeveloped places in the interior including Sook.
“That’s why we need hardworking leaders and elected representatives to voice out the problems of the people so that assistant can be given to the needy,” he said.
On the event, he said that it was important to have families remained united and closely knitted.
“For economic reasons, some have gone far away to work but at the end of their endeavour, they must return to their families,” he said.
Earlier, organising chairman Osman Abdullah said that the presence of Mukhriz was special as no federal leaders have set foot on the village.
“And he is also the son of our beloved former Prime Minister who has brought much development to the country,” he said.
Also present were Sook assemblyman and Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister, Datuk Ellron Angin.
http://www.newsabahtimes.com.my/nstweb/fullstory/34820