Malaysia’s progress due to political strength, stability: Najib
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 9 – Malaysia achieved rapid development after 54 years of independence because of the country’s political strength and stability, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.
Besides that, he said progress also depended on a line of effective and visionary leadership.
“The government’s leadership under the Barisan Nasional achieved success after success. The success was also based on a power-sharing formula practised since the country’s independence.
“The multi-racial and multi-religious nature of the country is a valuable asset towards making the country an advanced nation,” he said in his message in a book titled “Istana Negara – The Symbol of Sovereignity and The Supremacy of the Malay Rulers” which was launched at the Shangri-la Hotel here tonight.
The special publication was launched by the Raja of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Tuanku Syed Putra Jamalullail.
The Prime Minister said the construction of Istana Negara in Jalan Duta Kuala Lumpur began under the 9th Malaysia Plan to replace the existing Istana Negara building with a new specially planned comprehensive complex.
“We are grateful that with Allah’s blessings, the government today has succeeded in realising the development of a complex which is a landmark and symbol of the Constitutional Monarchy system,” he said.
The construction of the new Istana Negara began with a groundbreaking ceremony on Nov 16, 2006 by Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin, who was the 12th Yang di-Pertuan Agong at that time.
It was completed and handed over to the Istana Negara’s management on Oct 20, 2011.
Najib said among the historical events recorded at the new Istana Negara was the installation of Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah as the 14th Yang di-Pertuan Agong on April 11 last year.
He said since the occasion, Istana Negara has fulfilled its function as the main residence of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
“I appreciate the special publication of this book on Istana Negara as its architecture encompasses various aspects of human civilizations as well as being eco-friendly,” he said.
The Prime Minister said he hoped the book written by Datuk Md Nizam Md Sheriff would be an enormous help as a source of reference and guidance to designers, teachers, enthusiasts and interior art decoration practitioners as well as Malaysians in general. – Bernama