SIBU: The dates August 31 (National Day) and September 16 (Malaysia Day) should be respected and understood by all Malaysians, rather than politicised, says Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He said through this, the people can continue focusing on nation-building and development efforts without being hindered by differing sentiments about these dates.
“We must continue to move forward and not be held back by these sentiments, neglecting our shared responsibility to the nation,” he said.
He made these remarks in his speech at the Sarawak-level National Day Celebration Assembly, which was attended by Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and his wife Toh Puan Fauziah Mohd Sanusi at the Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud Chancellor’s Hall at the University of Technology Sarawak (UTS) here today (Aug 31).
Abang Johari noted that while the date of August 31 may have different interpretations for people in Sarawak, Sabah and West Malaysia, these differences should not impede mutual respect and cooperation.
“What is more important, as Malaysians with the spirit of ‘Segulai Sejalai,’ is that the people of Sarawak and Sabah respect this date as a very important date for the people in the Peninsula and for the nation, just as we respect September 16, which is not only crucial for the people in Sabah and Sarawak but also for the entire country,” he said.
The Premier also extended his gratitude to the federal government for recognising the differing perspectives on these dates and for agreeing, since 2015, that August 31 should be referred to as National Day rather than Independence Day.
Abang Johari then congratulated Datuk John Sikie Tayai, Minister in the Premier’s Department (Native Laws and Customs) responsible for overseeing the 2024 Sarawak State-Level National Day celebration, and his committee for their hard work in ensuring the success of the three planned events.
Also present were Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah, Transport Minister Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin, Education, Innovation and Talent Development Minister Datuk Seri Roland Sagah, Food Industry, Commodities and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom and State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki.
