PUTRAJAYA: Many of the country’s leaders took the opportunity to convey their greetings in conjunction with celebrations of the Federal Territories’ golden jubilee.
His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, and Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofia, Queen of Malaysia, conveyed “Happy Federal Territory Day” greetings in a social media post.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim also expressed well wishes to the residents of the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and Labuan on its 50th anniversary.
In his message, Anwar called on the people to sow the seeds of a culture of unity, throw out messages of hate and replace these with an attitude of caring and concern for one another.
“This is also in line with the Madani concept that demands we embrace everyone and be in agreement to make the country’s development agenda a success.
“May the Federal Territories continue to progress, be sustainable and prosper!” he posted on social media yesterday.
MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong also conveyed his well wishes.
“Happy Federal Territories Day to all, especially those from Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and Labuan,” he posted on Facebook.
Yesterday, some 6,500 participants gathered for a walk at Dataran Putra here, which was held in conjunction with the 50th Federal Territories Day celebration.
Community spirit: Participants taking part in the ‘Berjalan Sihat@Putrajaya’ event held in conjunction with the 50th Federal Territories Day celebration in Dataran Putra, Putrajaya. — AZMAN GHANI/The Star
Organised by the Federal Territories Department and Putrajaya Corporation, the crowd began building as early as 6am, with many joining the morning prayers at Masjid Putra before the walk.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Dr Zaliha Mustafa and Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Na’im Mokhtar flagged off the 2.5km walk, which began at Dataran Putra and ended at Dataran Putrajaya.
The crowd was accompanied on their walk by tunes belted out by a brass band from the Civil Defence Force as they made their way to the finish line.
In her speech, Dr Zaliha said it was a historic day, adding that “50 years is not an old, but mature, age”.
The government, she said, viewed the achievements and vast development in the Federal Territories over the past five decades as an inspiration to continue improving sustainable development for decades to come.
This, she said, would emphasise elements of urban development and a holistic approach towards the economy, social well-being, and culture.
“Advancements in the Federal Territories are not measured by how many buildings nor how high they are.
“Instead, the priority is on how the people’s living quality can be raised,” she said, adding that the Federal Territories Department and its agencies took into account the impact of development on people’s wellness.
“In line with the government’s agenda, humanitarian values are also emphasised in policy making.
“This is seen through empowering the people’s economy, especially the poor and hardcore poor, building affordable housing, and empowering traders by upgrading their store facilities,” she added.
Federal Territories Day is celebrated on Feb 1 every year to commemorate the declaration of Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and Labuan as Federal Territories.
Kuala Lumpur was declared a Federal Territory in 1974, Labuan in 1984 and Putrajaya in 2001.
