Restore historical facts on the formation of Malaysia – LDP
Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Chief Publicity Officer Simon Chin has urged the government to restore the historical facts on the formation of Malaysia, particularly for September 16 to be recognized as National Day.
At the same time, he said September 16 this year should be known as commemorating the 56th National Day.
“Since the government intends to restore the status of Sabah and Sarawak as equal partners with West Malaysia in honour of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), September 16 should be celebrated as the 56th National instead of the 62nd Malaysia Day this year.”
According to MA63, Chin said Sabah should have enjoyed more autonomy and special rights because Sabah did not join Malaysia.
He said the fact is that the Federation of Malaya, Sarawak, Sabah and Singapore came together to form the Federation of Malaysia. Singapore later withdrew from the federation.
He said the MA63 was drafted on November 15, 1961 and signed on July 9, 1963. The agreement was subsequently endorsed on July 31, 1963 and came into effect on September 16 in the same year.
“This shows that Malaysia was formed 56 years ago on September 16, 1963.”
Besides, Chin pointed out the Federation of Malaya gained independence on August 31, 1957; Sarawak on July 22, 1963 and Sabah (formerly known as North Borneo) on August 31, 1963.
“In other words, the Federation of Malaysia has not been formed on August 31, 1957 and thus it is incorrect to calculate the year of formation of Malaysia from 1957.”
As such, Chin urged the government to designate September 16 as National Day, whereas August 31 to be known as Independence Day for Malaya and Sabah, adding that Sarawak has recognized July 22 as its Independence Day.