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Malaysians need continuous efforts to create tolerance among all the races and the Government must ensure that the atmosphere is conducive for this.

The Malaysian Prime Minister and his wife were the guests of honour at a gathering of about 2,000 people from 118 Chinese associations, guilds and clans at the Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Putrajaya on 29.8.2001.

"Malaysia’s success today would not have been achieved if the people failed to practise tolerance and moderation," he said.

We wish every Malaysian well on Merdeka Day. We hope that every year we can continue to look back with pride at the unity, peace, progress and prosperity of the country.

SEEN TO BE FAIR

If the Malaysian Government is seen to be fair in all sectors, it creates a favourable atmosphere for tolerance and unity. Then, in the efforts to rectify imbalances in various fields including the gap between the rich and the poor, we have to ensure that nobody abuses the power, the rights and the privileges. No single group of people should plunder the wealth of the land.

We require political stability and peaceful political changes. We must ensure stable currency, opportunities for education, employment, health care and religious freedom. There must be adequate facilities for libraries, recreation and senior citizens.

As we celebrate Merdeka Day every year, we must take stock of what we have or have not achieved in the various fields. This is a way of making sure that we will always have a peaceful Malaysia.