Malaysian students in Melbourne, Australia paid a glowing tribute to the outstanding leadership of Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad when they celebrated Malaysia's National Day yesterday.

Bernama reported that the boarders at Dewan Malaysia, where the celebrations took place, recited Mahathir's poem "Perjuangan Belum Selesai".

The Dewan Malaysia choir sang a medley of patriotic songs including Jalur Gemilang, Kerana Mu Malaysia, Dirgahayu Tanahair Ku, Perwira and Warisan.

The Director of Malaysian Students Department, Australia, Abdul Rahman Salim read a National Day message from Mahathir to a large gathering of students.

Master English

The prime minister urged the students to master English - the language of the world and reminded them to gain good knowledge and be diligent in their studies.

The president of Dewan Malaysia, Zaharah Abu Bakar, a PhD candidate at the University of Melbourne, said the students realised the great work Dr Mahathir had done "to make Malaysia a wonderful nation".

They understand that they must continue our leader's vision and work hard towards national unity and progress," she said.

The new High Commissioner to Australia, Hussin Nayan, who officiated the National Day celebrations encouraged the students to mix freely with other nationalities and races.