THIRTEEN of the country’s most prominent figures have been selected to be featured in the 1Malaysia Ikon documentary-drama programme produced by 1Malaysia TV. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said Malaysians should be trailblazers and emulate the icons to become rich in character, spirit, endeavours and passion when pursuing their dreams.
“The road to success is not always paved with gold and there will be obstacles along the way but there are no obstacles that cannot be conquered.
“Having character is more important than having material things and economic success. Having a resilient mentality and strong will can shape their future.
“I believe the figures that we celebrate have had their share of ups and downs, having gone through hardships to achieve the success they enjoy today,” he said before launching the programme in Petaling Jaya yesterday.
Present at the launch was the programme’s patron, Datuk Seri Azalina Othman.
The icons are Tun Daim Zainuddin, Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz, Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed, Datuk Seri Abdul Wahid Omar, Tan Sri Shahrir Abdul Samad, Datuk Seri Samy Vellu, Datuk Jimmy Choo, Tan Sri Tony Fernandes, Tan Sri Vincent Tan, Datuk Marina Chin, Datuk Yusof Haslam, Datuk Doraisinggam Pillai and Datuk Ahmad Kemin.
Najib also stressed the importance of not giving up and conceding defeat to reach your dreams.
“Take heed of the icons’ life history and think of how we can be inspired to follow in their path.
“Malaysia is a land of vast opportunities and success can be achieved in many avenues, irrespective of our socioeconomic background, as long as we are prepared to work hard and use the skills we are equipped with.
“Poverty should not be used as an excuse not to succeed as many have succeeded despite it. Courage and patience are the recipe for success.”
Ahead of Merdeka Day on Aug 31, Najib said all the nation’s successes today were a culmination of the struggles of our ancestors and the perseverance of its people, regardless of race, religion and culture.
“I hope this programme can tell the story of how the figures achieved success in life through the challenges they faced.”
The programme’s aim, he said, was to attract and inspire young Malaysians to recognise national figures who have found success in various fields, such as politics, business, sports and entertainment.
1Malaysia TV provides Malaysian free-to-air channels (RTM1, RTM2, TV3, and Al-Hijrah), China Central TV News (CCTV1), My Youth TV (MyTV), a Korean entertainment channel (eKorea TV), Documentary Television and an Internet radio station (KL POP Radio).
1Malaysia TV can be accessed at www.erama.tv/mobiletv or by downloading 1Malaysia TV for smart phones.
Also present was the programme’s patron, Datuk Seri Azalina Othman.
-NST
