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| Friday, 24 September 2004 |
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Former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamed single handedly transformed "sleepy Malaysia in to a vibrant nation," said Western Province Governor Alavi Mowlana. Addressing the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) General Assembly in Kuala Lumpur, he said: "I consider it a great privilege to be present at this August Hall where the United Malays National Organisation is celebrating its General Assembly. I am standing here as the representative of Sri Lankan President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga. She might have chosen me when there are better persons, purely because I am a good party man. Like your organisation in power in Malaysia, the Sri Lanka Freedom Party is the ruling party in Sri Lanka. I am the most senior vice president and head the labour wing. I held several ministerial portfos in previous regimes and now I am the Governor Western Province and Presidential Advisor in Muslim Affairs. As I stand here, I could recall there were two great Malays who made this country and Nation proud in the last 1000 years. One was Tun Parak who was a Minister in the 15th century and the other was Mahathir Mohamed. Without any hesitation I could say that your party, UMNO had produced brother Mahathir who is such a great personality from the whole of Asia-that the Western world viewed him with trepidations. I am proud to be part of you which has given the leaders not to lead but to be one of you in the great struggle to stand and assert as a nation. Relations between our two countries date back to several centuries. Our aspirations and our goals are same. We have been subjugated by colonial powers. The sorry legacy that they left behind is insurmountable. Luckily for Malaysia there was a star in the form of Mahathir who single handedly transformed sleepy Malaysia into a vibrant Nation and be able to be counted among developed Nations. When I browse through the success of Malaysia I do come across the struggle the young nation has had to face with different races pulling in different directions. With studied and well-thought approach thorny issues were sorted out one by one. Your party kindled every Malay what he is worth of in Ringitts and pounds. Further, the great religion Islam that you and I follow enjoins us to be accountable of every single action you do in this world. Allah has given us power and position as a trust. Discharging such onerous duties justly is our obligations. I am aware within the last two decades UMNO and its leaders have faithfully done their duty by the people in this country and made it a role-model to other nations in Asia. Your exemplary leader Mahathir made Malaysia Boleh. I would just add Malaysia is truly Asia and beacon of hope for other Nations. Thank you very much for having given me patient hearing and for making me as one of the guests. May Allah shower His blessings on your country and you all. God Bless." |
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