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SHAH ALAM – Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad says the strong turnout of young Malaysians at the National Day celebrations here shows that the younger generation continues to value the country’s independence.
In a Facebook post today, the 101-year-old statesman said he was pleased to see the celebration receiving a warm response from the public, including Malaysians from different ethnic backgrounds.
“I see many young Malays, Chinese and Indians among the spectators.
“Their faces were cheerful and it was clear they were celebrating independence as though they had just gained freedom after being colonised,” he said.
Dr Mahathir said the enthusiasm displayed by the younger generation was important in preserving the country, stressing that there was no greater honour than defending the nation.
His remarks came after he attended the National Day celebrations at Dataran Putrajaya on Monday, where he was seen among the crowd in an electric wheelchair.
At 101, his appearance drew attention as he waved to members of the public and met visitors who approached him for handshakes and photographs.
The former prime minister had previously said that he had never received an official invitation to the annual National Day celebration, but maintained that Malaysians had the right to attend the national event.
This year’s appearance marked his first time attending the celebration in a wheelchair, following a period of rehabilitation after he fractured his hip in a fall at home in January.
