MESSAGE FROM THE CONSUL- GENERAL
Malaysians all over the world celebrate the anniversary of the country’s Independence on 31 August every year. However since the Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations this year fell on 30 and 31 August, the country will celebrate the 54th MERDEKA celebration on Malaysia Day 16 September 2011. This year we also celebrate the 48th anniversary of the formation of Malaysia, when Sabah and Sarawak joined the Peninsular to form Malaysia on 16 September 1963.
Malaysians can be proud that in a fairly short period of time, Malaysia has risen to become the 21st most competitive nations in the world, an improvement from 2009’s 24th spot and last year’s 26th spot, as announced by the Geneva –based World Economic Forum Global Competitive Report. In the Asia-Pacific region, Malaysia was ranked as the 6th most competitive and in ASEAN, Malaysia ranked second after Singapore. Due to the Government’s Economic Transformation Programme (ETP), the improved ranking has proven the critics wrong.
Malaysia’s economy grew 7.2 per cent last year and is expected to grow by five to six per cent this year, partly driven by the ETP. Malaysia is also on track to become a developed country mainly due to positive changes it has made to attract investors and grow the economy. If the country continues to grow at this rate in the next nine years, the objectives of Vision 2020 to turn Malaysia into a fully developed and industrialized country could be achieved.
In a meeting with the Malaysian community and students in Perth recently, the Hon. Dato’ Sri Mohd. Najib Tun Abdul Razak, the Prime Minister urged Malaysians to work hard to achieve success. He said with hard work, nothing could stop Malaysia from achieving success.
As we celebrate this important day in our country’s history, I wish all Malaysians in Perth Happy 54th Independence Day. I hope that we continue to work hard and be united for the success of our beloved nation.
Salam Satu Malaysia
HAMIDAH ASHARI
16 September 2011
