It’s Malaysian Day, and no one seems to be bothered. As far as I can see, the public knows 16 September as the day the Merdeka celebrations comes to an end. How sad.
In fact, not many actually know that Sarawak and Sabah joined the Federation of Malaysia 46 years ago on this very day, and that any party wanting to rule Malaysia would need the votes from these two Borneo states. I dare say that, with the support of voters from Sabah and Sarawak, and the help of several key states in the Peninsular, the current government could be brushed aside in the next general elections if they are not careful. It’s simple maths to be honest because both Sabah and Sarawak accounts to 56 seats in the 222 Malaysian parliament. This is already 1/3 of amount needed to form the a new government. But yet, Malaysia Day is something less significant. At the very least, the government could declare 16 September as a public holiday for Sabah and Sarawak.
Emm, I was asked this question by someone: “Does the fact that the government does not recognize 16 Sept as heavy as the 31st August, the main cause that people from the Malaysian Borneo is ‘sort of divided’ with their counterparts from the Peninsular of Malaysia?“
Well, I think so… because when the government doesn’t give Malaysia Day is due recognition, people start to question about Sabah and Sarawak’s place in Malaysia. In fact, it also contributes to some Peninsular-ian people feeling that they are more ‘powerful’ than those in these two states, making negative perceptions bloom, and also the feel of divide. Admit it, no one wants to be seen as someone whom is ‘smaller’ or ‘less powerful’ by anyone, right?
I guess, as far as I am concern, attitude is the main reason why such divide occurs. Peninsular-ians must change their negative perception that Sarawak and Sabah are both still lagging behind in terms of development. They must stop belittling both states and start giving these two Borneo states more recognition and respect. In fact, I fully support the Prime Minister’s stance that Sarawak and Sabah are both good models for the 1Malaysia concept because in both states, we do not see people from different ethnic and religion tolerating each other, but we see them accepting and respecting their differences.
Malaysians, Happy Malaysia Day…
and for Sabahans and Sarawakians…
It’s been 46 years, and we are still the Malaysian, Borneo.