KUCHING: A decision to let Sarawak host this year’s national-level Malaysia Day celebration on September 16 is seen as crucial for closing the gap between the state and Pakatan Harapan (PH) federal government.
Batang Sadong MP Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said the decision made by Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir should restore the healthy and friendly state-federal relationship for the sake of the people and continued development.
“It is very good and we should applaud the efforts. At least they (the federal government) are really concerned and recognise that there is no Malaysia without Sarawak and Sabah. I am glad that the PM has decided to organise the celebration in Sarawak,” she said when met by reporters at a Hari Raya open house in Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka Sarawak here yesterday.
She also urged politicians to support the effort regardless of the prevailing political circumstances.
“For once, just forget about politics. Do not let it become a political issue and deny this opportunity to forge unity among Malaysians,” she stressed, reminding politicians to downplay the issues that should not be politicised.
Pointing out that the state has always been candid with the federal government, Nancy said it was important to use a pragmatic approach in order to reconcile and realise the aspirations of both the state and federal governments.
“We want a better ‘Malaysia Baru’ and I hope we will always stay united for the sake of our beloved country,” she said.
Nancy believes that holding the event in Sarawak would strengthen national integration particularly in terms of bridging the divide between Malaya, Sabah and Sarawak.
“Celebrating Malaysia Day, whether in Sabah or Sarawak, is beyond politics. It will further benefit the ‘rakyat’ by enhancing the spirit of unity among Malaysians.
“Let the ‘rakyat’ see that this is a Malaysian event meant to have positive impact on Sarawak and its people,” she said.
