Minister calls for Malaysia Day celebration to be aligned with historical context

KUCHING (Sept 17): The Malaysia Day celebration should be aligned with historical context, particularly in showing its inter-connection with Sarawak Day (July 22) and National Day (Aug 31).

In making this call, Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Sarawak Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn said it all began with the independence of Malaya on Aug 31, 1957, followed by Sarawak gaining self-governing status on July 22, 1963.

“Both dates are crucial as they led to the legitimisation of negotiations with North Borneo (Sabah) to form a larger entity known as Malaysia,” he made these remarks at the state-level Malaysia Day 2024 celebration in Sri Amano on Monday, where Yang Di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak  Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar officiated at the event.

Sagah, the minister-in-charge of the state-level celebration, also highlighted the importance of understanding the journey towards the formation of the Federation of Malaysia on Sept 16, 1963.

“This understanding can foster greater appreciation for the sacrifices of the past generations and the commitment of past leaders in uniting Malaya, Sabah and Sarawak into creating Malaysia.

“The knowledge of Malaysia’s historic formation is essential because a successful nation is driven by its historically-informed generations.

“Understanding and appreciating Malaysia’s historical journey will build a strong national identity and a robust sense of patriotism among Malaysians.”

Sagah described Malaysia Day as being ‘more than just a celebration’.

“It serves as a crucial platform for guiding future generations to appreciate the nation’s progress and prosperity over the last six decades.

“This annual celebration allows the people of Sarawak to remember the historic date of Sept 16, 1963, as a pivotal moment in the nation’s history.

“Therefore, this date should be ingrained in the hearts of every citizen, especially as this year’s theme, ‘Malaysia Madani Jiwa Merdeka’, reflects the aim of strengthening the well-being of Malaysia’s multi-ethnic and multi-religious society,” he said.

The slogan ‘Jiwa Merdeka’ (Spirit of Independence), according to Sagah, represents not just freedom, but also the commitment towards enhancing education, economy and also the unity to help Malaysians overcome future challenges.

The state-level Malaysia Day 2024 celebration at Sri Aman Indoor Stadium Sports Complex gathered around 3,000 attendees from various walks of life.

Also present were Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas who was representing Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg; Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, and Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar.