THE sacred date of Sept 16 should be the day when all Malaysians, irrespective of their diverse backgrounds, stand united in honour, respect and appreciation of the peace and freedom that the people have been enjoying for many decades.
This day also serves to remind all about the struggles and sacrifices of those before us, whose invaluable contributions have made Malaysia what it is today.
The Congress of Unions for Employees in Public and Civil Service (Cuepacs) secretary for Sarawak branch, Omar Bahrein Unin, believes that Malaysia Day is significant not only to the older generation, but also the younger ones who must learn to value, respect, understand and appreciate the nation’s history.
“The impact it has on the development of Malaysia throughout the past decades till today is significant. Thus, the knowledge of the history is an important key for us to move forward together,” he points out, adding that he is very keen to understand the history of the formation of Malaysia, as well as the roles played by those involved and the powers given to each state.
“A wise person will tell you that history is the best teacher to educate men about lessons, values and limitations. Looking back at history helps us pave the way for the future.”
Omar elaborates that having the knowledge and understanding of the history of one’s country is extremely vital as it serves as the foundation and identity of a nation.
“It is the key to foster unity and understanding among people in this diverse community. History must be used as reference, as a reflection, especially in issues that affect this country. No matter what is happening now, it is a challenge to strengthen our history and that sense of national pride and identity not only among the young, but also the older generation,” he adds.
Omar says it cannot be denied that there are those who are not well-versed on the history as they pick up the details from here and there, without referring to the constitution and the laws.
“There are also people who are ‘blind’ to history, but at the same time, they have the tendency to intervene in the disputes of our history; thus creating confusion among the public.
“We have come a long way as a nation – our people, including the leaders, had endured many hardships, challenges, complications and struggles in the past.”
In this respect, Omar feels that the price to pay for freedom would not be worth it at all if the disputes and acts by certain parties based on their own interests could jeopardise the unity of this country.
On the development of Sarawak demanding certain autonomy from the federal government, he says the strength of Malaysia is not placed only in states around the peninsula – Sarawak and Sabah also contribute towards the overall economy of the nation.
“It is only fair and right that each state in Malaysia is able enjoy the same rate of development. Still, there seems to be a gap between the development in Peninsular Malaysia, Sarawak and Sabah. Due to such difference, the federal government should give more attention to the demands of Sarawak government for the wellbeing of the people here,” he emphasises.
Meanwhile, Malaysia Cooperatives College (MKM) Sarawak lecturer Mohamad Suandi Mortadza, 39, believes that the move to form Malaysia was a wise decision by past leaders.
“The basis behind this vision was the spirit of togetherness and acceptance among people of all races, towards forming Malaysia that would continue to remain peaceful and prosperous till today.”
“I’m proud to be Malaysian, and it is our unique trait to be able to remain united, despite our differences. Malaysia has come a long way to becoming a great nation that it is today,” he says, insisting that he would still choose Malaysia as his home if given other options.
The annual celebration of Malaysia Day, he adds, must continue to foster the spirit of patriotism, togetherness and unity among the people.
“We are lucky to be living in this land and together, we can bring harmony and prosperity to this land.”
Echoing the same view, research officer Shamsyah Hamid, 32, sees that the establishment of the Federation of Malaysia as a ‘good move’, especially in ensuring the administration of states could be carried out in a more advanced and efficient way.
“In my younger days, we understood that this unification also helped stop Sarawak from being further colonised. However as we grew up, we began to realise that the development in our state had not been on the same par or along the same pace as that in Peninsular Malaysia, which is evident in the development of roads and highways (in Sarawak) which is still far behind compared with those in the peninsula, as well as the lack of education facilities in the rural areas.”
As such, Shamsyah stresses that the government of the day – one that is chosen by the people – must step up its efforts to ensure that the development in all states in the country is equal.