For the first time since the formation of Malaysia in 1963, Sept 16 only been declared by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak in last October as Malaysia Day and a nationwide public holiday in Malaysia. The date will be observed as Malaysia Day from 2010 onwards.
Even though Federation of Malaysia was born for 47 years, many people still do not understand its formation and the customs and traditions or aware of the date’s significance in the history of this country. Don’t feel surprise if you come across a Malaysian who tell you that Peninsula gained independence on Aug 31, while Sabah and Sarawak gained independence on Sept 16 or Malaysia gained independence on Aug 31!!!
We are glad to see that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has made his effort to unite the people in the East and West and the move to declare Sept 16 as a nationwide holiday to promote 1Malaysia spirit to foster national unity among the various races and to strengthen national integration between the people in the Peninsula and those in Sabah and Sarawak.
This coming Thursday, Sabah has been given the honour to host the inaugural Malaysia Day celebration to be officiated by prime minister.
As a Sarawakian, I feel that this coming Malaysia Day brings lots of meaning to our fellow Sarawakian and Sabahan, we feel that federal government finally recognized the importance and contributions of Sabah and Sarawak towards the formation of Malaysia.
This Malaysia Day even though has been 47 years late, but it is better late than never.