Najib: Be wary of 'new form of colonialism'

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak has called for Malaysians to be wary of a "new form of colonialism", which could destroy the unity and harmony the country had established since gaining independence 59 years ago.
Addressing the nation in his National Day 2016 speech, Najib said such threats were not necessarily from foreign perpetrators, but involving the "dirty hands" of those from within the country.
He mentioned several attempts made by certain quarters who wanted to topple the government through undemocratic means; including by initiating referendums, declarations and streets demonstrations.
Therefore, Najib urged the people to stay united and going all-out to fight those who wanted to destroy the establishment of Malaysia.
"In our efforts to foster solidarity and unity, we do not want any moments of disunity happening, which could destroy whatever that we have built," he said.
"Are we willing to allow our nation to be disintegrated in an instant due to the actions of some traitors?
"At this moment, we are not only facing foreign enemies, but a new form of colonialism, which seeps and poisons the mind of the rakyat, involving the dirty hands of those from inside the country," he said while addressing more than 1,000 participants in Dewan Merdeka at Putra World Trade Centre here.
Also present in the ceremony were Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and cabinet ministers.
Najib, who remained high-spirited throughout the speech, called for Malaysians to defend the country's sovereignty and independence, which was fought by Umno along with other component parties decades ago.
He added that Barisan Nasional, through its efficient and systematic governance, had managed to lead Malaysia to success.
Najib said the country's streak of success in the global stage has dismissed the accusations made by certain groups that Malaysia is a "failed state".
"We do not arrive at this juncture of six decades of independence to fail. We aspire to see Malaysia to move forward as a country recognised in the global arena.
"If we want to see Malaysia remain independent, sovereign and peaceful ... moments of unity have to be sown," he said.
Najib also pledged that the government would not sideline any party or ethnic groups from the country's development.
"In the end, in our eyes and mind, each one of us and each ethnic groups and descendants are 1Malaysia," he said.