By Amyra Varkisa and Margaret Ringgit
Malaysia marks its 65th National Day on August 31, with ‘Keluarga Malaysia Teguh Bersama’ as its theme this year.
Every year it is celebrated with pomp and pageantry but under the new normal circumstances owing to the Covid-19 pandemic the last two years the celebration was muted but all that is about to change with the return to normalcy this year.
New Sarawak Tribune spoke to state leaders on their National Day wishes and hopes.
Daro Assemblyman, Shafiee Ahmad.
“National Day is very important to be celebrated so that the current generation understands and can appreciate the struggle of previous generations who worked hard to free our country from colonialism and to foster a sense of belonging and unity in our society to maintain the prosperity that we all enjoy now. The concept of flying the flag in the month of independence is not only a celebration initiative, but is also a patriotic act because it shows that we are proud of our flag and our independent, peaceful and prosperous country. The most important thing in every celebration of National Day is the concept of unity among Malaysian people in general and in particular the people of Sarawak who are of multiple races and religions who can live together and maintain the prosperity of the country,” he said.
Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Bumiputera wing supreme council member, Syed Hamzah Wan Hamid Edruce.
“We are proud as Malaysians, the issue of the contradiction of August 31st not being the date of Sarawak’s independence should be investigated more deeply. Some of the people in this state are not too excited about the date of 31st August but history records that the British Government agreed that Sabah, Sarawak, and Singapore form a Malaysian state together with Malaya and that Malaysia will be established on 31 August 1963. Although the actual planning of the declaration was to be made on August 31, 1963, the ceremony had to be postponed. Laurence Michelmore as a representative of the United Nations (UN) once again surveyed the views of the people of Sabah and Sarawak. On 14 September 1963, a report was issued which confirmed that the majority of the population of this state supported participation with the Federation of Malaya. Thus, on September 16, 1963, the idea became a reality and a federation known as Malaysia was born. This is the history that many do not know. I hope more of our people know about this fact, especially the people of Sarawak so that they also appreciate the date 31 August which we now call National Day while 16 September is known as Malaysia Day,” he said.
Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development, Dr Annuar Rapaee.
“Our national day is on 31 August, we must remember three important dates in Malaysian history which are Sarawak Day on 22 July, National Day on 31 August, and Malaysia Day on 16 September. Those three days we have agreed to celebrate together and we have also agreed that those three days are sacred dates for the people of Sarawak and Malaysia especially the children of Sarawak to prove that we are patriotic and remember the services of past leaders who have fought for our independence,” he said.
Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Office (Corporate Affairs, Information and Sarawak Public Communications Unit) Datuk Abdullah Saidol.
“I hope our country remains peaceful and stays economically resilient against the injury inflicted by the pandemic. I wish all the elected leaders and policymakers at federal administration stop all political polemics and start concentrating on people’s welfare and development,” he said.
Telang Usan Assemblyman, Dennis Ngau.
“After Malaya achieved its independence, followed by Sabah, Sarawak and Singapore its important that we all enjoy the fruit of Merdeka. On the positive side, today have progressed to achieve good things. For Sarawak, Merdeka is crucial, and hope that the people of this nation will continue to be united. Currently, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob’s slogan ‘Keluarga Malaysia, Teguh Bersama’ subscribes to the idea that Malaysia can become a stronger Malaysia. I believe Malaysia will continue to progress. Look at what the government is trying to achieve. For Sarawak, the Premier has launched the Post Covid Development Strategy, a pillar of Sarawak’s development plan to boost our State. We need to draw investors into Sarawak. These efforts are important to provide more job opportunities for our school leavers and graduates,” he said.
Malaysian Youth Member of Parliament Spanski Steven
“Tolerance in terms of people’s equality. Please also play a proactive role to help employers deal with inflation, price hike, and increase the GDP. Don’t just blame the employer. Because inflation is a global issue but in Malaysia, our inflation rate is still under control,” he said.
Deputy Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Development, Datuk Rosey Yunus.
“Appreciate the independence we have achieved while remembering the struggles of past leaders. The nature of patriotism and love for the motherland must always be nurtured from a young age so that this link of legacy continues to defend our motherland from any form of colonialism,” she said.
Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Development, Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah.
“It is my hope that despite the Post Covid challenges, increase in cost of living, our people will persevere, focus on working hard for a developed Sarawak, maintain peace and harmony so we can achieve community well-being,” she said.
