SHAH ALAM, Aug 29 — Selangor and Malaysia must emerge from the shadow of fear, especially in the run-up to the 100th year of the nation’s independence in 2057, 32 years from now.
Menteri Besar Dato' Seri Amirudin Shari said such courage could be achieved through society’s understanding of knowledge as well as capability in the fields of science and technology.
This should be anchored in the thoughts of American literary critic Harold Bloom and national linguist Tan Sri Zainal Abidin bin Ahmad, or Pendeta Za’ba.
Bloom believed that great works were able to shape human imagination, while Za’ba emphasised the importance of education and intellect.
“The meeting point between Bloom and Za’ba must become the axis and foundation for us as we move towards the centenary of our nation and people.
“Therefore, in the next 30 to 32 years, education will be the main inspiration. Education that awakens the people, that enlightens them,” he said during the Menteri Besar's National Day Lecture.
The inaugural programme, held at the Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) Convention Centre today, brought together all state administrative leaders and the local community in conjunction with the 68th Independence Day celebrations.
Amirudin noted that at present, the world is facing challenges in determining truth or slander, which ultimately creates confusion and misunderstandings that damage the nation and its people.
He stressed that only through knowledge can society distinguish between right and wrong, and thus no longer remain colonised or enslaved by deceit.
“Our responsibility is to build the foundation, so that independence is not merely about the coloniser holding our hand, seizing our property, or our possessions slipping from our grasp. Independence begins in our hearts and minds,” Amirudin said.
The Menteri Besar also envisioned Selangor and Malaysia becoming a generation capable of seeking truth and rejecting falsehood by the time the country celebrates its 100th Independence Day.
The Gombak MP believes the Rukun Negara, introduced in 1970, provides a strong foundation and serves as the main axis to realise this aspiration.
“For me, it is these principles that we must study and embrace in order to ensure 100 years of Selangor that is excellent, great, and ever more advanced,” he said.
