Sept 16 a sacred day – Kurup
TANJUNG MALIM, Perak: Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Tan Sri Joseph Kurup described the date of September 16, 1963 as a sacred date in the history of the year alongside the anniversary of National Day on August 31.
Kurup said on this day (September 16), Malaysia was declared and came to exist as a nation uniting the Federation of Malaya, Sabah and Sarawak.
“This was the result of the establishment of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), which is the most crucial document and reference term to Sabah, Sarawak and Malaya in the formation of Malaysia,” he said at the Borneo Patriotic Day Celebration 2017 held at the Sultan Abdul Jalil Shah Campus Auditorium at Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) here on Monday.
Kurup said Malaysia's community now live in peace and harmony, with no racial disputes that cannot be addressed despite some irresponsible parties trying to fan unhealthy sentiments, mainly with allegations aiming to divide an agreement that has been reached over 55 years ago.
The 'Borneosation issue' often raised by some parties was an example, he said, but as a Sabahan member of parliament appointed as the federal minister responsible for National Unity and Integration Affairs, he could see that the government under the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Abdul Razak Razak has provided the best service to Sabah and Sarawak.
“It could even be said that the Prime Minister has been more focused on Sabah and Sarawak compared to previous leaders.
“This is evident by the appointment of many senior ministers in the Federal Cabinet from Sabah and Sarawak, including the appointment of the Secretary General of the Ministry and Head of Federal Departments in Sabah and Sarawak from the people of Sabah and Sarawak as well.
“In terms of economy and infrastructure, he had pushed to abolish the cabotage policies and kick start the construction of the toll-free Pan Borneo highway connecting Sabah and Sarawak.
“The Prime Minister had said in his speech that, ‘the ongoing efforts to develop the economy of Sabah and Sarawak will always be the priority of the Malaysian Government, the lives of the people in both states have changed much over the last 50 years, in line with global development. Malaysia has succeeded in building a respected nation, whether from political, economic and social development. The sacrifices and endeavour of all parties in shaping the country, maintaining peace and prosperity so far will always be appreciated',” he said.
Meanwhile, Kurup said, whether conscious or not, students now form the largest group of people in Malaysia's population.
Students were given various privileges, priorities and beliefs to continue to lead the country's development in the future, he stressed.
However, Kurup said students should not simply cover themselves with academic books and become like a mindless electronic gadget but instead, they need to be aware of current issues involving national interests.
As a pillar of national development, he said, students also should not be influenced by negative influences that restrict their progress in pursuing the quest for knowledge.
Knowledge must be sought and understood as knowledge will not be meaningful if it was not accompanied by deep understanding, Kurup warned.
“Without knowledge that is accompanied by understanding, it is impossible for us to effect better change and perfect reform. We will also be honoured for the benefits of the knowledge itself.
“Knowledge that can raise the quality and goodness of life is knowledge that can be utilised. Knowledge and understanding must be made as a foundation that will help in establishing stronger self-improvement.
“I would also like to remind students that you bear on your shoulders the hopes of your mothers and fathers who struggled for your success. Learn to be useful people because you are the future heir of the nation,” he advised.
A total of 3,000 students from Sabah and Sarawak who studied at UPSI attended the programme alongside UPSI Deputy ViceChancellor (Student Affairs and Alumni) Associate Professor Dr Md Amin Md Taff, Perak National Unity and National Integration Department Director Haji Abdul Hadi Mohd Salleh and Councillors Student Representative (Sabah Ethnic) cum Program Director Chonnel George.