E Contrario

Happy Birthday Malaysia!

Malaysia is suffering from amnesia. There is a collective memory loss over the date of birth of our nation. Most people also have a problem with identifying themselves with the Malaysian nationhood as it currently stands. Several surveys, recent and old, show that a majority of Malaysian feel more attached to their respective ethnicity or religion rather than our collective nationality.

I don’t think this is necessarily all that negative. It only means that our nationhood is still developing. People are yet to totally integrated into this big melting pot. On the other hand, we are also challenging or defying the stereotypical model of melting pot. Maybe Malaysia will emerge as a plural society without any group ‘melting’ away their distinctive identity.

However one thing I am sure. If we wish to continue to develop this nationhood called Malaysia, we must first get our history right. Malaysia is a new country formed by 11 states of Malaya (Tanah Melayu) and two states of Borneo. Two other entities, Brunei and Singapore had opted out of this formula.

For that, we must recognize that Malaysia gained its independence not in 1957 but 16 September 1963. The Merdeka we celebrate on 31 August is not a date commemorating the independence of the entire Malaysia.

We need to correct this to show respect to our history. This is also an important gesture to express our respect to the people of Sabah and Sarawak. Joining Malaysia, the people of Borneo have surrendered substantial portion of their resources and to share with the whole nation. Citizens of the Semenanjung (Malaya) must all recognize and appreciate such sacrifice.

16 September is the day when Sabah and Sarawak broke free from colonialism. This date should always be hailed as the day when the entire territory of Malaysia was liberated. Our contempt or desertion of this very significant event cannot be blamed on sheer carelessness.

Be attentive to the plight of Borneo, we should not let 16 September be remembered as the day when Borneo lost its independence.

Happy Merdeka! 16 September we shall celebrate our nation coming together!

16-9-2006

Updated
Parti Keadilan Rakyat honoured Malaysia Day:-
President Dr Wan Azizah delivers a Malaysia Day statement.

KeADILan ADUN in Sarawak, Dominique Ng organized a celebration of Malaysian National Day in Kuching.