My first memories of Malaysia Day

If I remember correctly, my first encounter with Malaysia dates back to its formation, and the ensuing celebration in the small town of Saratok. I was in Primary Two at the newly established Nanga Assam Primary School in Melupa, Saratok.

Back then, information was scarce, especially living on the edge of the Melupa jungle. We learned that Malaysia was formed and a celebration would be held in Saratok on August 31. In our town, the celebration was on September 16, 1963, when we were informed that it was Independence Day.

Although we were unaware of the exact date, we received a badge marked August 31, 1963, proclaiming it as Merdeka Day. This was puzzling since the celebration occurred 16 days later.

I still keep that badge as a reminder of our presence at the Saratok Council ground for the parade on September 16, 1963, a date that would later be known as Malaysia Day.

I remember it was a significant moment for about thirty students and parents as we boarded Muto Labo (Labo’s motor launch) from our longhouse in Kedap, Melupa, for a three-hour journey to Saratok town in a ‘pom-pom’ vehicle.

We set off from Kedap on September 15 and planned to spend the night at the lofts of our Chinese friends in Saratok.

My parents, brother Jon, and I stayed at Achu’s loft, where we were gifted ‘ikan pusu’ (anchovies). We learned that Achu (of Chop Guan Ann) and his wife had stayed with our parents at our rubber plantation during the Japanese Occupation to avoid harassment from the invaders.

On the morning of September 16, 1963, we dressed in our proper school uniforms, complete with white shoes and socks, for the parade at the council’s ground.

I recall a local Chinese merchant named Tuchang, who was told to dress appropriately before he could take photos of the proceedings. He started in blue shorts and a singlet, which drew a hearty laugh from the crowd.

My dad was dressed in his best attire, wearing an overcoat and a new shirt, while Mum wore her usual flowery blouse and sarong. Jon, who was 15 then, looked quite grown up in our school uniform, even though he was still in Primary Two, having stopped schooling years earlier.

I also kept a special badge for him, and now I proudly showcase both badges in my collection.

All the Nanga Assam students and parents formed one group in the parade, which lasted about two hours, including listening to rather dull speeches. We were then treated to lemonade by the organizers, and I greedily enjoyed two bottles to quench my thirst.

In the afternoon, we boarded Muto Labo for our return journey. I remember Uncle Ujih, my dad’s first cousin, started a ‘bandat’ (blackjack) session on the way back. About six or seven parents placed bets with him as the ‘Chong’ (dealer and banker).

That was my first celebration on September 16. However, it wasn’t until 2010 that Malaysia Day was celebrated nationwide. Before that, it was only recognised in Sarawak.

In 2010, during the tenure of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, the day was designated as a public holiday, enabling Malaysians to celebrate the rich diversity of our nation’s history and cultures.

Since then, I’ve participated in various celebrations, though not always in the parade. Events have taken place across the nation and throughout Sarawak.

In 2012, I found myself in Saratok for a licensed cockfight on Malaysia Day. It began as an interesting outing, but I faced a big loss in the ‘holo’ (tiger/jar) game, which I later regretted. Fortunately, a friend lent me some cash, allowing me to bet on the cockerels and recover my losses.

My two brothers and I celebrated by enjoying some cans of beer at a stall by the cockpit. My eldest brother Edward’s gamecock won big that day.

Last year, I enjoyed karaoke with my Elvis friends. There were five of us from the Elvis Presley Fan Club of Sarawak, revelling in the musical atmosphere in Kota Samarahan.

This year, on Monday, September 16, a friend and I enjoyed a ‘teh tarik’ session at Bombay Sedap in Metrocity Matang. Coincidentally, it was also Prophet Mohammad’s birthday.

This year, Sarawak celebrated Malaysia Day with a vision for a sustainable future, as stated by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

He said, “May our unity remain strong with a high spirit of comradeship as we work together to advance Sarawak and the country while nurturing a Madani generation with a strong sense of identity and loyalty to the motherland.”

He wished all Sarawakians a Happy Malaysia Day last Monday, September 16.

THIS badge is a permanent reminder of our Independence Day (later renamed Malaysia Day) on Sept 16, 1963. It was given to us during the parade in Saratok on Sept 16 of that year although it was dated Aug 31, 1963, first day of celebration to welcome the formation of Malaysia.

The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the New Sarawak Tribune.