Understand our history and embrace it, advises Piasau assemblyman
MIRI: Teachers have the responsibility to instil in and educate pupils on the facts and history of Malaysia’s Independence and the difference between National Day and Sarawak Day.
Piasau assemblyman Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew said this when officiating at the 60th Merdeka Day celebration at SJKC Chung Hua Krokop yesterday.
“It’s compulsory for Malaysians from a very young age to learn history as part of an academic subject. It’s even more important for them to understand our history and embrace it,” Ting said in his speech.
Not forgetting, he added, the love and respect for each other regardless of race, religious or social status as only by practising these would there be a peaceful and harmonious society and nation.
He said Malaysia Day, which falls on Sept 16, is extra meaningful for Malaysians as it marks the birth of an independent nation.
The celebration which saw more than 1,500 pupils singing the national anthem, Sarawak anthem, and ‘Sehati Sejiwa’ was attended by Mayor Adam Yii, the school’s board of directors’ chairman Huang Huat Choon, headmistress Tang Suk Hung as well as members of the board of directors and teachers.
Guests, teachers and pupils sang the ‘ Hari Merdeka’ song while bearing the Jalur Gemilang.
Mayor Yii handed over 400 mini Jalur Gemilang and Sarawak flags to the school for distribution to the pupils before the celebration.