PM in Sibu

Tuesday February 12, 2008
Pak Lah: Don’t be racial
Stories by STEPHEN THEN, JACK WONG and SHARON LING

SIBU: Malaysians must not harbour racial prejudice in their hearts, said Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.
The Prime Minister said there should not be any confrontation among the races as it would jeopardise peace and stability.
“I want Malaysia to be a peaceful country. We must maintain the good reputation of our country,” he added when opening the RM7mil-SMK St Elizabeth Mill Hill Franciscan Centennial Hall at Jalan Oya yesterday.
Abdullah said Malaysians should respect and help each other to live in harmony and urged teachers to instil in their students love for the country and goodwill to one another.
Regardless of race or religion, Malaysians were all comrades in nation building and bringing development to the country, he said.
On education, he gave an assurance that the Government would not forget to assist Chinese and Tamil national-type primary schools as well as mission schools.
“We will not neglect these schools and bring them into the mainstream of educational development.”
Abdullah urged students to excel in science and technology, as only then would they be able to help implement development projects and tap the country’s vast natural resources.
Citing an example, he said although oil palm and rubber were not native to Malaysia, the two commodities had brought wealth to the nation through the efforts of local researchers who come up with many value-added products.
Sarawak Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud praised SMK St Elizabeth teachers for their dedication in helping to produce many top students and achieve excellent academic results for the school.

It should trickle down to people on the ground...