It has been
3 year since our Malaysian Day on 16th Sept declared as a public
holiday. It should be a holiday for all to appreciate the value and importance
of this day where it celebrates her people, her land, her future.
As we celebrate
Malaysia Day, it is heartening to know that there is still a lack of awareness
and ignorance still reigns among Malaysian about Malaysia Day.
Among the
common misconceptions were:
1) 16th
September 1963 is the date where Sabah and Sarawak join Malaysia, and hence
Malaysia Day.
In fact, Sabah and Sarawak did not join Malaysia! They came together with
Malaya and Singapore on Sept 16 in 1963 to become the Federation of Malaysia. Singapore
left the federation two years later.
So, do not ask question such as ‘when did Sabah and Sarawak join
Malaysia?’ or you get explosives answers especially from our fellow Malaysians
from East.
2) Penisular
Malaysia is larger than Malaysian Borneo.
I know our somewhat distorted map would make many think that Penisular
Malaysia appears larger than Malaysian Borneo, but in fact the Malaysian Borneo
territories make up 61% of Malaysian land mass. Sarawak and Penisular Malaysia
are roughly the same size.
3) Malaysia
Day is Sabah and Sarawak Day celebration.
This is so wrong. It must be stressed that Malaysia Day is a
national celebration and not Malaysian Borneo one. It is not partisan issues.
It is about us – Malaysians. I feel proud that Sabah and Sawarak are part of
Malaysia! Malaysia without Sabah and Sarawak is just plain Persekutuan Tanah
Melayu. The addition of Sabah and Sarawak has made our Malaysian culture more
diverse and unique.
So, as we celebrate Malaysia Day, I wish Malaysia to be prosperous,
peaceful and more importantly united in celebration.
Selamat Hari Malaysia!
