SRI AMAN: The Malaysia Day celebration serve as a crucial platform to guide future generations in appreciating the journey of Malaysia over six decades towards progress and prosperity.
Minister of Education, Innovation, and Talent Development Datuk Seri Roland Sagah Wee Inn said that the celebration which is more than just a festivity, provides an opportunity for the people of Sarawak to commemorate the historic date of September 16, 1963.
“The historical struggle of past leaders from Sarawak and Sabah in realising the broader vision of Malaysia deserves recognition and appreciation.
“This acknowledgment must be more comprehensive, spanning across significant periods, as without the efforts of those who fought tirelessly for Sarawak’s self-governance – from the anti-cession era to the establishment of Malaysia and through the post-Malaysia period involving communist resistance and the confrontation with Indonesia,” he said.
He said in his speech during the 2024 Sarawak-level Malaysia Day Celebration held at the Indoor Stadium Complex, Sri Aman here on Monday (Sept 16).
Sagah further said each level of society should be recognised for their contributions, including political leaders, government administrators, associations, and individuals.
“Media practitioners from the era of Malaysia’s establishment should also be honoured for their role in shaping public opinion positively towards the formation of Malaysia,” he said.
He then mentioned on this year’s Malaysia Day theme, ‘Malaysia MADANI: Jiwa Merdeka’, of which reflects the aspiration to enhance the well-being of Malaysia’s multi-ethnic and multi-religious population.
“This theme aims to cultivate citizens with noble values and a strong sense of patriotism, while continuing to strive for collective prosperity.
“Jiwa Merdeka signifies not only freedom but also a commitment to strengthen education, the economy, and unity to tackle the challenges ahead,” he said.
Earlier, Sarawak Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and his wife Toh Puan Mohd Sanusi were among the guests of honour at the celebration.
Also present were Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar, Minister of Food Industry, Commodity, and Regional Development Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom, and Minister of Transport Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin.
