Sabah, Sarawak Welcome Declaration Of Malaysia Day As Public Holiday
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 19 (Bernama) -- Sabah and Sarawak, the two Malaysian states on Borneo island, welcomed the declaration of Sept 16, the day Malaysia was formed, as a national public holiday.
Leaders of the two states described the announcement by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak today as a historical event and a recognition for both states as well as something which added meaning to the 1Malaysia concept.
In Kota Kinabalu, Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman said the date Sept 16 was indeed a historical moment for the people of Sabah who had been living the 1Malaysia concept all the while.
"Sept 16 is indeed a historical date because on that auspicious day, the people of Sabah from the various ethnic groups came together in unison to achieve independence through the formation of Malaysia," he said in a statement.
He added that the announcement would undoubtedly spur the state government and the people to further strengthen unity as the catalyst for the state's development.
Sarawak Land Development Minister Datuk Seri Dr James Masing, in welcoming Najib's announcement, said it was about time that Sept 16 was recognised as a public holiday.
"I am grateful to the prime minister because Sept 16 has been a very important day for the people of Sarawak and Sabah as well the peninsula," he told reporters in Kuching.
Masing recalled that while officiating at the Malaysia Day celebration here on Oct 10, Najib had emphasised the fact that Sarawak and Sabah were vis-a-vis on par with Malaya when the three territories decided to get together and formed what is now known as Malaysia on Sept 16, 1963.
Kadazandusun Cultural Association Sabah (KDCA) president Datuk Seri Joseph Pairin Kitingan described the announcement by the prime minister as a wise and brave move.
It showed the prime minister's determination in realising national unity, which is the ultimate objective of 1Malaysia.
"He genuinely wants to create a 1Malaysia family and this has discarded the feelings of 'neo-colonialism' that existed all the while," said Pairin, the Sabah Deputy Chief Minister and the Huguan Siou or paramount leader of the Kadazandusun.
Pairin said that the decision would have been an easy one for the prime minister as the date Sept 16 was the actual date when Malaysia was formed.
He also said that the announcement was a fitting recognition to a very important chapter among the people of Sabah, namely in nurturing patriotism and nationalism towards Malaysia.
The Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) president added that all the while, Sept 16 had not been given due recognition as a platform to strengthen patriotism towards one's own country.
"It is with pride and joy that I would now like to congratulate and record our highest appreciation to the prime minister, on behalf of PBS and the people of Sabah who have fought unceasingly in seeking a recognition for the Malaysia Day," he said.
Sarawak Environment and Public Health Minister Datuk Seri Wong Soon Koh said Najib had the wisdom to state a historical fact.
"This is a wise decision and I would like to thank the prime minister for giving due recognition to what is due," he told reporters in Kuching.
Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) president Datuk V.K. Liew said it was a deeply appreciated recognition to both Sabah and Sarawak.
"It has become an intensely debated topic in our living memory since the formation of Malaysia on Sept 16, 1963.
"Malaysia has now become one and it continues to reflect the seriousness of the prime minister, and his sincerity in fostering harmonious relations between us all without looking at the colour of our skins," he said.
Liew said on top of that, the people would continue to have a fair share and opportunity under "our Malaysian sun".
-- BERNAMA
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