Kuala Lumpur, Aug 31 (IANS): Malaysians on Monday celebrated their 58th National Day commemorating the independence of the country from British colonial rule in 1957, the media reported.

Instead of his usual recorded televised message on the eve of National Day celebrations, Prime Minister Najib Razak addressed the nation “live” this year in the capital Kuala Lumpur with a promise -- that he will not let Malaysia fail despite the shrinking currency, The Star online reported.

"We will never allow anyone from within or from outside, [to] simply walk in and steal, ruin or destroy all that we have built so far," he said.

Asking people to use the ballot box to judge the government, the prime minister pleaded for calm so that he and his team could focus on ways to overcome the current challenges.

Present during the address were, Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Transport Minister Liow Tiong Lai, Health Minister S. Subramaniam and chief secretary to the government Ali Hamsa.

The celebrations began with hoisting of the Jalur Gemilang (national flag) by Royal Malaysian Navy personnel, accompanied by the singing of the national anthem, Negaraku.

A 14-gun salute was fired by the 41st Battery of the Royal Artillery Regiment.

The National Day celebrations came after massive weekend protests demanding the premier's ouster over a financial scandal.

Prime Minister Najib is accused of siphoning $700 million from a sovereign wealth fund into his personal accounts. He has denied the claims.