Kedahans must have strong identity – Sanusi

KUBANG PASU - Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor reminds the people of Kedah to instil awareness to build a strong identity as successors of the nation who must always fight to defend the nation and homeland.

He said there were four aspects that at the core of building a nation building, namely religion, morals, education and language.

"No matter who we are, despite our high or low position, this is the core principle to ensure that our identity is firmly held in defence of this independence.

"There is no point in chanting the slogan of independence if our minds are still stuck with perverse ideological beliefs, or if we are forced to follow the instructions and wishes of others that conflict with our rights and interests as dignified and independent children of the nation," he said when speaking at the Ambang Merdeka event at Tasik Darulaman in Jitra here on Wednesday night.

Sanusi said, starting from the time of Kedah Tua, Kedah was a great state that was recognised as the oldest civilisation in Southeast Asia.

"There is also the opinion of historians that the Kedah Civilisation is older than the Ancient Roman Civilisation. Archaeological evidence shows that the Kedah Tua Civilisation began as early as 788 years before Christ or more than 700 years before the birth of the Prophet Isa A.S and it lasted for 2,400 years," he said.

Sanusi said Kedah Tua was rich in earth rare especially the production of high-quality iron called 'Qalai'.

"It was purchased in the state of Kedah and exported to the whole world for the manufacture of weapons with nanotechnology. So, the state of Kedah at that time was known as a very advanced state.

"This is the duty for me as the head of the government to invite all the people of Kedah to be united and determined to restore the glory of our state to become The Greater Kedah," he said.

He said that whatever challenges and obstacles to empower the state of Kedah must be overcomed.

"Don't let the progress of our state be blocked and hindered by parties who have an interest in robbing us of our rights as citizens of this state.

"Our obedience and loyalty are to Sultan Kedah as the King who rules this state with full sovereignty and glory," he said.