PETALING JAYA: Malaysians need to strive for three goals to enable the country to face the challenges ahead, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said.

In his 57th Merdeka anniversary address, the Prime Minister called on Malaysians to embrace solidarity and to be imbued with confidence that they can achieve the country’s aims, as well as unite to work for a prosperous and peaceful Malaysia as a legacy for future generations.

Recapping events which included the intrusion in Lahad Datu, the disappearance of MH370 and the crash of MH17, Najib described the past two years as a very challenging period for the country.

“As such, I invite you ladies and gentlemen to stand up, and together with me, let us place our right hands on our chests to symbolise our love for this land where our love lies, our dreams are created and where they will continue to live on,” Najib said when delivering his address from the historic Malaysia Tourism Centre premises at Jalan Ampang in Kuala Lumpur last night.

Najib said that unlike previous years where his address was delivered in a pre-recorded message, he chose this year to speak live to reach out and make a “heart-to-heart” connection to all Malaysians.

He praised Malaysians for their unity in grieving for the victims of MH17 and for taking part in a national day of mourning upon the arrival of the remains of the Malaysian victims of the tragedy.

“We showed our unity during the national day of mourning throughout the country, and we will continue to show our spirit of togetherness when times are good and also when they are difficult.”

Najib also urged Malaysians to support the Government’s plan to revive Malaysia Airlines, saying that the fact remained that Malaysia needed a solid and competitive national carrier which operates commercially without sacrificing the welfare of its staff.

He said that despite the challenges that the country had faced in recent years, Malaysia had always proven time and again that it could succeed on its own terms.

-thestar