Jepak State Assemblyman Haji Talib Zulpilip attributed this unique achievement to the wisdom and capabilities of the nation's leaders in running the country since independence.

Had past leaders failed in their tasks, the people today would certainly not be witnessing the impacts of the country's development and prosperity, said Talib at the National Day celebration held at the Esplanade here, yesterday morning.

"Merdeka has no meaning to us today if our country is still undeveloped and people living in fear," he added.

He pointed out that solidarity and unity among the diverse ethnic groups in the country had become the envy of many countries.

Earlier, Talib joined Bintulu Member of Parliament Dato' Seri tiong King Sing, Bintulu Resident Development Authority's (BDA) General Manager Haji Mohidin Ishak, heads of government departments and agencies, community leaders to witness the National Day procession by 43 contigents from both public and private sectors, uniformed bodies and schools.