DAP Malaysia Day Message by Lim Guan Eng in Kuala Lumpur on Friday, 16^th September 2011: 

Let us ensure that not a single state nor citizen is left behind! 

48 years ago Sabah, Sarawak and Singapore took the bold step to form Malaysia. Singapore subsequently left 2 years later in 1965 but both Sabah and Sarawak remained. Unfortunately all the economic and social indicators show that Sabah and Sarawak continue to be left behind whilst Singapore has soared to surpass Malaysia in 2010 as the 3rd largest economy in ASEAN after Indonesia and Thailand.

Why did 7% continuous economic growth for more than 25 years leave behind not only oil-rich states like Sabah and Sarawak but also Terengganu? The "Growth Commission" Report (2008) by Economics Noble Laureate Michael Spence identified Malaysia as one of the 13 countries in the world that enjoyed sustained growth of 7% for more than 25 years based on 5 common characteristics:-

1. fully exploited world economy;

2. maintained macroeconomic stability;

3. exhibited high savings and investment;

4. relied on markets to allocate resources; and

5. committed and credible governments

The answer why Sabah, Sarawak or Terengganu is left behind is corruption in Peninsular Malaysia, endemic and entrenched in Sabah and Sarawak. Too much have been lost. The shocking revelations by the US-based financial watchdog Global Financial integrity of RM 888 billion illicit capital flight from Malaysia between 2000-2008 cost is shocking. This means that every Malaysian man, woman and child have lost RM 33,000 each over 9 years!

South Korea's GDP per capita was one third of Malaysia in the early 60s, but is now 3 times that of Malaysia despite having a bigger population of 48 million people. South Korea succeeded because they successfully fought not only corruption but reconnected with both the economic and ethical values of hard work, openness, integrity and innovativeness.

This is the desperate political battle for the economic soul of Malaysia that we can not lose. The time has come for Malaysians to choose carefully. Only a two-party system can ensure peace, harmony and that Malaysia's rich natural resources benefit 27 million Malaysians. A two-party system requires a strong opposition which can not only deny BN its customary two-thirds majority but also able to change the government.

For those who say that PR does not know how to govern, the 4 PR states of Penang, Selangor, Kedah and Kelantan have proven our ability by beating the other 10 BN states by attracting RM25 billion in investments comprising 53% of Malaysia's total investments of RM47.2 billion in 2010. For the first time in history, Penang is now the new champion of investments in Malaysia, coming out top in 2010 with RM 12.2 billion.

Let us reject a crony government in favour of a people's government centered on 3Es of enabling the people with skills and education, empowering them with rights or opportunities and enriching the people by ensuring that the fruits of economic success can be shared.

Let us therefore teach our children hope and build their confidence that they can be as good as they want to be and not be forever deprived or condemned to be inferior merely on account of the colour of their skin.

Let us fight and protect each other based on freedom, justice and truth. Let us ensure that no single state or citizen is left behind. Then only can we lock our arms together and our heart beat as one for this beloved Malaysian nation that belongs to all whether black, brown, white or yellow.

Happy 48^th Malaysia Day!

*Lim Guan Eng, DAP Secretary General & MP for Bagan