KUCHING: Sarawak’s hosting of the Malaysia Day celebration for the second year in a row is proof that the state is being recognised by the federal government, said Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister’s Department Datuk Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali.
“We are honoured to be given (the) opportunity to host the celebration of Malaysia Day again.
“This is recognition of Sarawak’s position as a partner in the federation and as an entity that is important in the development of Malaysia as a nation,” she said.
She told this when asked to comment on the selection of Sarawak as the host of Malaysia Day being interpreted as efforts to pander to Sarawakians for their support towards the ruling federal coalition.
Hasidah assured that this was not the case, adding that the state also welcomes future national events to be held in Sarawak.
“This will enhance the relationship between Sarawak and the federal government.
“This is what it’s all about. Not to entice us to support the ruling coalition,” she added.
On Friday (Jul 10), Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah announced that Sibu town will be host of the Malaysia Day celebration on Sept 16 this year.
He said the town with a population of about 200,000 was chosen at the 2020 Malaysia Day Main Committee Meeting held between the state and federal governments.
The theme ‘Malaysia Prihatin’ (Malaysia Cares) has been chosen for this year’s Malaysia Day and National Day celebration.
