‘Malaysia Day a significant occasion to nurture unity and harmony’
SIBU: Kuching-born Dr Lim Soo Fon, currently based in the UK, describes Malaysia Day as an occasion that is likely to provide Malaysians abroad an opportunity to reflect and come together to celebrate all that makes them Malaysians.
The medical practitioner believes that this is the time to take pride in one’s roots and share love of Malaysian food.
“Beyond these, thoughts and discussions are often bittersweet as we contemplate those circumstances and life choices that have led us to be where we are, abroad, and often away from family and loved ones,” Dr Lim told The Borneo Post when asked on how Malaysians would celebrate Malaysia Day in the UK.
For the record, Dr Lim received a royal invitation to attend a reception at Buckingham Palace in UK, which was hosted by King Charles III and the Queen Consort Camilla on Feb 1 this year.
University of Technology Sarawak (UTS) law lecturer, Mohd Kamarul Anwar Mohd Suhaimi, said the significance of Malaysia Day extended beyond its historical context.
According to him, the occasion serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts to strengthen national unity and harmony.
“As I am in Sibu, a town located at the central region of Sarawak, I know the importance of cooperation and tolerance among different communities.
“The celebration encourages dialogue and interaction among my friends and colleagues here from various backgrounds, paving the way for a united and prosperous nation.
“Something unique that needs to be preserved for the continuous wellbeing of the community.
“Knowing, learning and exploring new local foods, culture and traditions is a kind of ‘celebration’ for me here in Sibu, Sarawak,” said Mohd Kamarul, who hails from Kuala Berang in Hulu Terengganu.
Moreover, he acknowledged that the main races that made up Malaysian citizens were the Malays, Chinese and Indians, but there were also others including the Ibans, Melanau, Dayak and Kadazans – all living in a harmonious environment.
“The proof is where you can see all Malaysians embrace each other’s culture and religions. All Malaysians are related to each other, not by blood but by their behaviour and manner.
“The locals are very close and helpful to each other. This is the uniqueness that we should preserve and celebrate in our special day.”
He opined that the celebration would encourage the preservation and appreciation of each community’s unique customs, fostering mutual respect and understanding among the citizens.
Asked if he would be in Kuching, where the Malaysia Day 2023 celebration would be held, Mohd Kamarul said: “I will stay here in Sibu celebrating Malaysia Day with my friends – a lovely place to stay and mingle around.”
On this year’s theme, he understood Madani being the Malay acronym for ‘SCRIPT’ – standing for ‘sustainability’, ‘care’ and ‘compassion’, ‘respect’, ‘innovation’, ‘prosperity’, and ‘trust’.
“Malaysia Madani is regarded as the master key to ensure that the people enjoy all forms of progress and modernity,” he added.
“As the theme ‘Malaysia Madani’ is applied, it implies the significance of the government’s agenda, which is to focus on problem-solving process, meeting the needs of the nation, creating a peaceful and prosperous future and fulfilling the potential of the people and the country.
“It shows the government’s commitment and effort to ensure Malaysia focuses on good governance, sustainable development and racial harmony in the country.
“The theme is in line with the Malaysia government’s determination and commitment to develop the country with the people being united, possessing a high spirit of unity, and living in peace and prosperity.
“Social life in Malaysia with its diversity of religions, races and cultures requires each individual to show mutual respect through unifying values, thus avoiding prejudice and misunderstanding.
“So, there is determination, or ‘tekad’, for the community to always be united in whatever circumstances in order for us to achieve the nation’s hope, or ‘harapan’ – determination of unity to fulfil hope.
“It appears that the government’s strategy, therefore, is to introduce programmes that influence all areas of Malaysian life – from the political to the economic and social levels in order to grease the gears of the country’s clockwork, to ensure not only that it continues to turn but is primed to take on ambitious mobilisation.”
Mohd Kamarul also stressed that Malaysia Day, being a special day, should not be seen as another public holiday.
“It is a day that means more than the commemoration of formation of a beautiful nation named Malaysia. The celebration of Malaysia Day brings all Malaysians together, regardless of their race, religion and ethnicity, fostering a sense of patriotism.”
Meanwhile, Sarawak Teachers Union (STU) president Kullin Djayang said at least 700 union members were serving outside Sarawak, assigned at primary and secondary schools, as well as a few at the District Education Office (PPD).
“As long as they are members of STU, we will treat them the same as members in Sarawak. All facilities and benefits remain the same.
“Many of the members have personal insurance from STU, and is still active. STU is always ready to assist,” he added.
He expressed hope that the STU members in Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah would continue celebrating the National Month, running from July 22 to Sept 16 every year.
“STU hopes that members would understand the significant dates related to these three regions in the Malaysian Federation, throughout the National Month.
“All those dates: July 22, Aug 31 and Sept 16, should be respected for the sake of regional and racial unity,” said Kullin.