Today is Malaysia Day. The day when all the free people of Malaya, Sabah, Sarawak and Singapore comes together to established what is known now as Malaysia on 16 September 1963. Even though Singapore decided to withdraw from the federation in August 1965, Malaysia as one country stays intact until today 46 years later.
Malaysia Day used to be known as Hari Perpaduan or Unity Day but it seems nowadays it has not been promoted and emphasised as one though. When Malaysia celebrates its independence day on 31st of last month, there are people who felt that this country should celebrate as one nation on 16 September.
Sabah and Sarawak will be putting more efforts in celebrating Malaysia Day compared to those states in Peninsula Malaya. In some states, the day will just pass by without any significant commemoration but people in Sabah and Sarawak will be celebrating their nationhood as Malaysians.
Even though the government had declared that there will be only one Independence day celebration which is on 31 August, more efforts and political will need to be taken to place significant importance on Malaysia Day. This is not only about Sabah or Sarawak but the people of Malaysia as a whole where those who called this land their home will feel, think and live as one under the big Malaysian umbrella. - Loka
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