Independence means we enjoy freedom. We are not colonised by people. And we can govern our own country and develop it independently so that our people can live a better life.
Interpretation
Independence brings the freedom to self-govern and improve societal conditions.
This quote by Mahathir Mohamad emphasizes that independence is not just about freedom from colonization; it also entails the empowerment to self-govern and develop a nation. Achieving independence allows a country to create conditions that ensure a better quality of life for its citizens, implying that self-determination is crucial for progress and prosperity.
In practice
This quote could be used in a speech to inspire a community during a national independence celebration.
I believe that every leader has a right to implement his own policy. But when I see things that are done that are not right - abuse of power, wrong approaches, wrong strategies, making use of foreign consultants, including those discarded by other countries - I feel that I have to have my say.
If you want to be honest with yourself, you have to take criticism, even if you attract adverse comments from others.
It would seem the people who want to preserve the Penans' way of life are condemning them to a life full of diseases and a shorter life span.
There are certain things that we can deal with by following the rules. But at times, we find the rules restrict you from doing the right things. On such occasions, we have to rethink - either you change the rules or break the rules.
In my years, I had the opportunity to observe peoples and countries. I see some countries doing well, others failing, and my analysis of things is that whether you fail or succeed is a function of your value system.
Free press is not absolute. In this country, we say clearly if you start stirring up racial hatred, then we will put a stop to it. We might even close down your paper, because these things can only lead to a lot of riots and bloodshed.
The wretch who lives without freedom feels like dressing in the mud from the streets Those who have you, o Liberty, do not know. you. Those who do not have you should not speak of you, but win you.
If you allow one single germ, one single seed of slavery to remain in the soil of America... that germ will spring up, that noxious weed will thrive, and again stifle the growth, wither the leaves, blast the flowers and poison the fair fruits of freedom.
We do not believe that in this country, freedom is reserved for the lucky, or happiness for the few.
What freedom am I being offered while the organization of the people remains banned? Only free men can negotiate. A prisoner cannot enter into contracts.
Fare thee well, king: sith thus thou wilt appear, Freedom lives hence, and banishment is here.
The United States gave me opportunities that my country of origin could not: freedom of the press and complete freedom of expression.
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