KUCHING: Malaysia Day should still be commemorated, albeit with strict compliance to standard operating procedures (SOPs), as a way to express patriotism and affection for Sarawak, says Datuk Idris Buang.
“What needs to be commemorated is the state’s independence after joining Malaysia on Sept 16 with Malaya and Sabah.
“We need to cultivate a responsible and thankful mentality by commemorating Malaysia Day,” said the Muara Tuang assemblyman.
“Young people who are frightened to fight and who do not demonstrate love and passion for the formation of Malaysia are not qualified to be our state leaders,” he emphasised during a meeting on the ‘Sarawak Merdeka Dalam Malaysia Rally Programme: Muara Tuang-Kota Samarahan’ via Zoom on Thursday (Sept 9).
On the rally, Idris said they were still waiting for a decision from the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) on whether or not it could be carried out.
He explained that the programme, scheduled to take place on Saturday (Sept 11), would be postponed if no approval was given.
Idris said it was essential to ensure that such a programme could be conducted in order to cultivate a sense of patriotism among young people who were eager to commemorate the achievements of pioneer leaders in their struggle to liberate Sarawak.
