A sacred date for Malaysians

September 16, 1963, is a sacred date for the Federation of Malaya, Sabah, Sarawak, and Singapore. It was on this day that Malaysia was formed as an independent country. 
 
Every year on September 16, Malaysians commemorate Malaysia Day to honour the history of this day.
 
This year, the 61st Malaysia Day celebration is held at Padang Merdeka in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, starting at 6 pm, with an expected attendance of over 30,000 visitors.
 
Various performance events have been arranged to invigorate the patriotic spirit among visitors, including the Heart of Sabah welcome dance and a special performance entitled Rumah Madani Jiwa Merdeka, which focusses on the values of patriotism, independence, and unity between various ethnicities and cultures in Malaysia.
 
With the theme, “Malaysia Madani: Jiwa Merdeka,” this celebration will definitely stir up the patriotic spirit among the community regardless of race, religion, or political beliefs based on the aspirations of Malaysia Madani.
 
In conjunction with this special day today, Sarawak Tribune asked a few prominent uniformed personnel about the meaning of Malaysia Day or merdeka to them.

Sarawak police commissioner Datuk Mancha Ata
Every Malaysian citizen must comprehend the meaning of merdeka, or independence.
 
Merdeka, to Malaysians, was when we were all free from the oppressive rules of the colonial powers. By achieving it, we were also able to establish our own government, form our own society, and live in peace and harmony.
 
Therefore, it is vital for all societal levels to constantly learn, internalise, comprehend, value, and defend the journey of our independence.
 
It is important also for today’s youth to understand its significance and to be grateful for the struggles and sacrifices endured by our nation’s former leaders and security forces, who risked their lives to secure our independence.
 
We are able to enjoy the life that we had today because of their sacrifices.
 
Not only should the younger generation possess a strong sense of patriotism, but they also need to fully understand the actual meaning of independence and be more sensitive to it.
 
Thus, in order to preserve the unity of various races, religions, and cultures among us, we need to instill a strong sense of nationalism as well.
 
Bomba’s headquarters Fire Safety Division director Datuk Khirudin Drahman
Alhamdulillah, we have the opportunity to celebrate Malaysia Day once again this year. Malaysia Day was first celebrated on September 16, 1963, in commemoration of the legalisation of the union of Malaya, Sabah, and Sarawak to become the independent nation of Malaysia.
 
The Rukun Negara, which serves as the cornerstone of our sovereignty, firmly binds us together as Malaysians, expressing this legality in the form of unity and solidarity.
 
I am proud to be a Malaysian from Sarawak, which has been accorded the status of a region.
 
This recognition has elevated Sabahans and Sarawakians in terms of their contribution in the federal public service, where equality is translated more equally and transparently.
 
General Operations Force (GOF) Sarawak Brigade commander SAC Dr Che Ghazali Che Awang
September 16, 1963, will always be engraved in Malaysian history since it marked the birth of Malaysia — formed following the merger of the Federation of Malaya, North Borneo (Sabah), and Sarawak.
 
This day will be commemorated annually with a great deal of unity, goodwill, and patriotism.
 
As the commander of the Royal Malaysian Police GOF, the nation’s primary law enforcement body, I view Malaysia Day as particularly significant for the Sarawak Brigade members, as we bear full responsibility for defending the country’s borders, particularly those of Sarawak, against foreign incursions.
 
We are also in charge of making arrests and preventing illicit operations, including smuggling of drugs, contraband goods, vehicle theft, entry of foreigners, and so on.
 
As citizens of the GOF, Malaysia Day serves as a reminder to uphold both national sovereignty and our commitment to the five pillars of the Rukun Negara.
 
Meanwhile, as a Malaysian, I think that the country’s ability to maintain its rapid economic growth and sustainable development will mostly depend on its ability to foster goodwill, unity, and mutual respect.
 
Malaysia Day is a celebration of everyone’s freedom from colonialism. Consequently, it is the duty of every Malaysian to protect the nation’s sovereignty.
  
Come on, Malaysians, let’s celebrate Malaysia Day 2024 together with pride and a soul full of patriotism!
 
May this historical day continue to be the foundation for us to commemorate, appreciate, and fully understand the background of the establishment of Malaysia.