As Malaysians celebrate the country’s 60th anniversary, they should be both “political life-changers and economic game-changers” to reclaim the Merdeka promise, Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng says.

Malaysians must seek the Merdeka promise as a nation with a heart that loves one another, values principles and upholds fundamental rights in the Federal Constitution, Lim said in his Merdeka Day message.

He said the Merdeka promise is the right to enjoy democracy, freedom, justice, rule of law and the right to live with dignity and prosperity.

He called on Malaysians to establish, in the words of our Bapa Malaysia Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra, “a new nation inspired by the ideals of justice and liberty”.

Lim added in his statement: “The struggles of our politics are still divided by race and religion.

“Malaysians, whether separated by geography or demography, whether old or young, male or female should consider what it is he or she wishes for the country today.

“Malaysians should take heart in the fact that despite the country’s many travails, we can empower ourselves individually.That is their right, and that is their duty.”

Lim, who is also DAP secretary-general, stressed that political power rests with the rakyat and a government should be people-centric, focused on enabling, empowering and enriching the people.

He said the rakyat do not want Malaysia to be known as a “global kleptocracy”.

The word “kleptocracy” has been often used to describe those responsible for money laundering activities related to the 1MDB.

“Neither do the people want a Malaysia that is autocratic or one that fails to live up fully to its potential, Lim said.

“Let us thus reclaim the promise of Malaysia as a great nation, known worldwide as a nation with a heart,” said the Bagan parliamentarian.

Lim said the nation must have a human heart for values of right over wrong, not values centred on money or corruption.

The people must have a heart for basic principles over selfish political leaders who refuse to share power, he added.

“A heart for hard work over those cronies whose connections enrich them; a heart for excellence over mediocrity; a heart that celebrates diversity over extremism;

“A heart that cherishes institutions protecting basic human rights and not grant dictators the right to abuse power; a heart that unites us all through our love for each other and for our country,” Lim said.

He called on Malaysians to celebrate the country’s 60th anniversary as a nation by daring to change ourselves into a nation with a heart, that loves our children regardless of race, religion or background.