‘Celebrating National Day without mentioning anniversary year good for spirit of oneness’
The proposal to celebrate Independence ( Merdeka) Day on Aug 31 every year starting next year without mentioning its anniversary year could unite Malaysians in Sarawak, Sabah and Peninsular Malaysia.
“This Merdeka celebration could enhance a patriotic spirit towards the country besides a heightened a sense of belonging and oneness among all Malaysians irrespective of whether from Sarawak, Sabah or Semenanjung Malaysia,” Resource Planning and Environment Second Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said after presenting government assistance to victims of a fire that burned Kampung Seberang Kedai Limbang.
He was commenting on a statement by Communication and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek in Kuching that the government decided from next year to celebrate Merdeka Day without mentioning its anniversary.
Shabery said the decision to omit the anniversary was to ensure Malaysians in Sarawak and Sabah would not feel sidelined as Sarawak, Sabah and Peninsular Malaysia formed Malaysia on Sept 16, 1963 with national independence (of the peninsula) on Aug 31, 1957.
Among those present were Limbang Resident Maria Hasman and his deputy ( Social) Hamidah Halpi and Deputy District Officer Limbang, Suhandi Tugiman.
Awang Tengah said this year’s Malaysia Day celebration centred in Miri on Sept 16 would be held on a grand scale and as such people in and around Miri should rejoice and join in the celebration.
“Activities organised include various performances depicting the formation of Malaysia, the sacrifice of the older generation and the success and challenges achieved by the country,” he said.
There will also be lucky draws where attractive prizes await the winners.
On the RM160,000 government assistance to 17 families affected by a fire in Kampung Seberang Kedai last July, Awang Tengah said the 13 families whose homes were completely destroyed received RM10,500 each while four others with partly destroyed homes were given RM6,000 each.
He is applying for more assistance from the federal government for the victims to rebuild their homes.