MOST DECORATED: Mawan (left) and Nanta (right) speak to former Sarawak Ranger Jimba Layang, who received more than 10 British medals for bravery during his 35 years of service.
KAPIT: All Malaysians are responsible for ensuring continued political stability in this country, said Minister of Social Development Tan Sri William Mawan Ikom.
He pointed out that this is vital to enable the government to continue concentrating on its development agenda for the people.
“Look around the world, there are many countries which achieved independence earlier than Malaysia but they’re torn by war or internal conflict, because of political instability and racial riots which weakened the administration, destroyed the economy and stability of the country,” he said during the Kapit-level Malaysia Day celebration yesterday.
He said to celebrate the 49th year of Malaysia’s birth as a nation, the people should give thanks for the country’s many positive attributes.
“Indeed we’re honoured and grateful for a colourful multiracial and multicultural Malaysia, with religious tolerance we live in a peaceful and harmonious society — that’s our strength in nation building. Our people have inculcated and preserved a tradition of respect, tolerance and acceptance of each other as Malaysians.”
BRAVE WARRIORS: Ex-Services Association Kapit branch chairman Wilfred Billy Panyau (eighth left) leads a group of former Sarawak Rangers.
Mawan also reminded those present to remember the prominent role played by veterans such as the Sarawak Rangers, army and police who sacrificed their lives to defend the country’s sovereignty, particularly in the 1950s to 1970s.
“The government and the people thank you for your role in nation building,” he said.
A crowd of over 1,000 attended the event.
Meanwhile Kapit Member of Parliament Datuk Alexander Nanta Linggi said the presence of ex-servicemen at the event made it more meaningful.
“We’re very inspired by your bravery to fight the enemy in the early days of independence. Your contributions will always be remembered,” he said.
“This morning’s Malaysia Day procession reminds us of the nation’s beginning on September 16, 1963. For all the achievements, we must pay our tribute to the veterans who laid the sound foundation – peace and stability — to build a nation,” he said.
Nanta also pointed out Kapit’s significant role in the formation of Malaysia, where the late Tun Jugah was chosen to represent the Dayak to sign the agreement in London.
Other local leaders such as the late Temeggong Datuk Jinggut Atan, Penghulu Jimbun, Penghulu Kumbong and Penghulu Silo also formed the team representing the community.
“As Dayaks in Sarawak, we’re proud of our prominent role in nation building. Although Dayaks in Sarawak are only about one million in population compared to 28 million Malaysians, we’ve played very important roles in nation building,” he added.
ONE VOICE: Mawan leads shouts of ‘Hidup Malaysia’.
The SK Methodist choir sings the Malaysia Day theme song.