What do Malaysians look forward to this Malaysia Day?

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TODAY Malaysians mark Malaysia Day, the day our nation was formed through the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) signed by four regions – Malaya, North Borneo (Sabah), Sarawak, and Singapore.

thesundaypost interviewed a cross section of Sarawakians to get their views on how far our nation has gone and what they look forward to.

Minister of Local Government and Housing Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian said after 55 years as part of Malaysia, Sarawakians must now look at what has been achieved, what has yet to be achieved, and how to move forward.

“We need the people of Sarawak to remain united in order to achieve what we have yet to achieve. If we are divided, we won’t have the strength to do it,” he said adding Sept 16 is a reminder that Sarawak didn’t join Malaysia but was one of the entities that formed the new nation.

Minister of Utilities Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom said Malaysia Day is a time for Sarawakians to look forward to better things. “Sarawakians are looking forward for a better future for Sarawak with continued peace and harmony that make Sarawak a model state like no other,” he said.

Assistant Minister of Transportation Datuk Dr Jerip Susil said the erosion of Sarawak’s rights as a sovereign region under MA63 has led many Sarawakians to call for a review.

“Malaysia is now 55 years old, the formation of Malaysia as enshrined in MA63 was the aspiration of the Federated States of Malaya and the sovereign nations of Sarawak and Sabah as equal partners. It was with this hope that Sarawak grew together as a sovereign state within Malaysia and that her people decided her own destiny and managed her own resources.

“While we have progressed under the Federation of Malaysia, however much is to be desired because being a region the size of West Malaysia and having a population of less than three million, the development of Sarawak has lagged behind,” said the Mambong assemblyman.

He opined that this moment was prophesied by the late Tun Datuk Patinggi Temenggong Jugah Barieng, one of the signatories of MA63, who had said about Malaysia’s formation, “Anang baka tebu, manis ba pun, tang tabar ba ujung” (Do not be like the sugar cane, sweet at the beginning but tasteless at the end).

Dr Jerip added that Sarawakians are now feeling “none of the sweetness” of the MA63.

Bidayuh community leader for Kuching Division Temenggong Austin Dimin Niyon said he would like the federal government to implement the MA63.

“As a Sarawakian, I would like the federal government to honour and implement the MA63 and return our state’s rights that have been taken away since the formation of Malaysia,” he said, adding his hope that the country would continue to be prosperous and peaceful.

Temenggong Henry Bujang Sadok

Bidayuh community leader for Serian Division Temenggong Henry Bujang Sadok said he hopes Malaysia Day will bring solidarity and mutual respect among Malaysians.

“I hope our country will move vigorously to the next level with the guidance of our leaders,” he said.

“We have to be determined to work hard, nurture our entrepreneurial instincts, and respect our elders. This will make our future generations independent. Unity is strength.”

He also paid tribute to Dayak leaders, who effectively fought for the community’s claim of Native Customary Rights land.

“To our community leaders and headmen, be innovative and creative in discharging your duties with integrity. We should not be paranoid of opportunities,” he said.

Federation of Chinese Associations of Kuching, Samarahan and Serian Divisions president Datuk Richard Wee hopes that there will be better understanding of the significance of certain dates for Sarawakians.

“Sept 16 is always considered as Malaysia Day. We will respect that as the day of the formation of our country, but to me, I personally feel that we should celebrate Sept 16 on a national level. For Sarawak, we should always emphasise the importance of our celebration on July 22. Aug 31 should be the Federation of Malaya’s own independence. I hope we could emphasise that kind of understanding/distinction,” he said.

Wee said he hoped the new Pakatan Harapan federal government, despite not realising how much was below the surface before they came into power, would keep the promises made.

“If they need more time, we are willing to wait, but I hope and urge the new government to not deviate from the promises and pledges they made in their manifesto,” he said.

Dr Michael Teo

Karambir Singh

Miri member of parliament Dr Michael Teo said the theme ‘Sayangi Malaysiaku’ clearly illustrates the spirit of national unity and integration as the most important instrument Malaysians need.

“The people of Sarawak show that we can live united under one roof and help each other without any hesitation. There is nothing more valuable than enjoying independence in peace and happiness. Therefore, we should be grateful for the blessings of independence that have brought prosperity to all Malaysians,” he said.

Miri Indian Association president councillor Karambir Singh Honey stressed on the need to undertake research and compilation of accurate and comprehensive materials on the history of Sarawak and the formation of Federation of Malaysia.

“The publication of the book and the need to educate young Sarawakians about the role and rights of Sarawak under the MA63 is very necessary. I hope the state government could publish the book as soon as possible. The Sarawak government should start with a booklet on the basic history of Sarawak to be distributed to every young Sarawakian,” he said.

He also called on all Sarawakians to support Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg’s efforts to reclaim Sarawak’s rights under MA63.

Datuk Alice Jawan

Hii Chin Loung

For Ministry of Utilities permanent secretary Datuk Alice Jawan, Malaysia Day reminds her of the common destiny decided 55 years ago.

“All of us have a role in nation building. As chairperson of Sarakup Indu Dayak Sarawak (SIDS) and president of the General Conference of Methodist Women, Malaysia, we are hopeful to see more women coming forward to help in the process,” she said.

Sarawak Patriot Association secretary Hii Chin Loung said it is interesting to note that Malaysia Day was only declared a public holiday in 2009 in Sabah and Sarawak before subsequently becoming a nationwide public holiday in 2010.

“Malaysia Day is an important day which reminds us that despite coming from different races, religions, beliefs and cultures, we are all Malaysians first and because of that, we were able to create a harmonious society and lived peacefully for the past decades. Malaysia will not be what it is today if not for its people.

“The Sarawak Patriot Association would like to encourage all Malaysians to support each other and celebrate Malaysia Day together. We must play our part by first creating unity in our community. With this bond, Malaysians will prosper for years to come,” he said.

Mohd Safree Mohd Kassim

Mohammad Hafidz

Royal Malaysian Navy Veterans Association Sarawak president Mohd Safree Mohd Kassim believes Malaysia Day is a time to educate the younger generation.

“The Y generation should know the history of the formation of Malaysia and facts contained in the formation agreement,” he said.

“The celebration should be interpreted with the concept of friendship, unity, and tolerance. Sarawak’s rights need to be protected and respected in a fair manner.”

Abang Mos Abang Tungal

For Malaysian Armed Forces Veterans Association Nangka chairman Abang Mos Abang Tungal, Sept 16 is extra special as it is also his birthday. He said Malaysia Day should be a time to give thanks to all who keep the peace.

“Thank you to all Malaysians for all the hard work and cooperation in this multiracial society,” he said.

Miri Malay Association Youth wing chairman Mohammad Hafidz Rohani said today’s youths are proud to be Malaysians and willing to contribute towards a safer, more developed country, and place to call home.

“As youths, our love and patriotism to the nation are strong and we are looking for ways on how we can contribute more actively in nation-building.”