KUCHING: Malaysia Day is a significant link for Malaya, Sabah and Sarawak to celebrate the coming-together of the nation, said Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Sarawak chairman Baru Bian.
In his Malaysia Day message, he said the day had become more significant than ever because the country needed to close the rural-urban gap as it tries to realise the ‘Shared Prosperity’ vision of the prime minister.
“No one should be left behind as we develop and prosper. It is my aspiration that Sarawak and the other less-developed states would have roads connecting every town and village. This would naturally promote socio-economic growth,” he said.
He revealed that as Malaysia Day approaches each year, he finds himself reminiscing about the Malaysia Day of his schooldays.
“As far back as I can recall Malaysia Day was a day of great celebration in the villages of Long Semadoh and Ba’ Kelalan. The people were proud of being Malaysians and they marked the day with parades, sports activities and concerts.
“Since then, events and politics have intervened and the mood in this country, and particularly in Sarawak and Sabah, has undergone a shift. Where once we were a country of different peoples living in harmony, now there are attempts to drive us apart with issues of race and religion fanned by politicians and certain groups to garner support.
“Parallel to that, various groups in Sarawak and Sabah are taking advantage of the ‘us vs them’ sentiment towards the federal government for their own political purposes,” he said.
As a Sarawakian, he has always been aware and proud of the multicultural harmony, unity in diversity, and inclusivity in the country.
“These are things that we must strive to perpetuate especially now in the spirit of the New Malaysia. That we are equal partners in Malaysia is recognised by the Pakatan Harapan government, and steps are being taken to accord to Sarawak that which is rightly hers,” he said.
“A paradigm shift is necessary towards a ‘Malaysian First’ mindset but at the same time celebrating our diverse origins and ethnicities. We must recognise and value our multi-culturalism and multi-racialism but at the same time build a sense of oneness as Malaysians. Only then can we truly be a strong and united country,” he pointed out.”
Crucially, he said it is important to avoid politicising race and religion. Political and religious leaders must be bold and courageous to speak out against extremists within and outside of their respective groups who cross the line.
“The Malaysian public, in whom the real power lies, must be wise to reject such instigations by these people. The government, on its part, must be vigilant and firm in dealing with those who attempt to disrupt the largely harmonious state of our country.
“As ‘anak’ Sarawak and ‘anak’ Malaysia, today, I call on all to celebrate our diversity, preserve our culture of tolerance and embrace one another, and unite for the economic success of our country. Today we celebrate the union that is Malaysia with Malaysians of all creeds, cultures and colours.
“May God bless Malaysia and God bless all Malaysians,” he concluded.
