Najib: Today belongs to the Philippines

PALACE GUESTS The wife of Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak signs the Malacañang guest book against the backdrop of Juan Luna’s Blood Compact as Najib, President Aquino and his sister Kris watch. The Comprehensive Agreement on Bangsamoro holds the promise of a “better future,” Najib said on Thursday. RYAN LIM/MALACAÑANG PHOTO BUREAU

MANILA, Philippines—The Comprehensive Agreement on Bangsamoro holds the promise of a “better future,” but the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) must not waver in seeing through its completion, Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak said on Thursday.

“After so many years of conflict and so many lives lost, it is a momentous act of courage. And it will change their nation’s history forever,” Najib said during the signing of the pact in Malacañang.

Malaysia, which has served as facilitator of the talks for years, drew praises from President Aquino.

Najib, who flew in on Thursday afternoon to witness the signing, agreed that the agreement secured the “rights of the Bangsamoro people” and the sovereignty of the country. He expressed hope that both would work together to make sure it succeeded.

“Forty years ago, darkness came to Mindanao. In a struggle that bridged a generation, 150,000 lives were lost,” he said. “Today we turn to face the light. Today belongs to the Philippines and to the people of Bangsamoro.”

He said that by engaging in the talks, the MILF repaid the people’s trust in them while the government affirmed the rights of the Bangsamoro to determine their destiny by negotiating in good faith.

Both sides, Najib stressed, sacrificed so that the Bangsamoro people may live free from violence, suffering and fear.

“In the pages of this agreement, we see the promise of a better future,” he said. “A future where classrooms ring with laughter, not gunshots; where young men fight poverty, not each other; [and] where people work hand in hand to build a new consensus, a new identity—the Bangsamoro.”

The prime minister, however, conceded that much work and setbacks lay ahead, and that was why both the government and the Bangsamoro people must not waver.

“The commitment to peace—the commitment I see today—must not waver. We must be steadfast and resolute,” he said.

The prime minister said the commitment to peace was “binding” and must be honored and protected.

“All parties must stand by the spirit and letter of the agreement. We should work to ensure respect for religion and live by the principle of nonviolence. We should protect human rights, embrace the rule of law and practice moderation,” he said.

While they were leaving the conflict behind, both sides must “steel” themselves for the “difficult work of development” ahead, Najib said.

“Decades of fighting have robbed a generation of healthcare, of education, of income. With peace must come not just prosperity but opportunity. Only then will Bangsamoro’s future be assured,” he said.

But as it has done the past several years, Najib promised Aquino that Malaysia would help build institutions, strengthen education and improve agriculture, as it remains “a partner for peace.”

“This promise stands for as long as it is needed. Malaysia remains a partner for peace,” he said.

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