In the old days people never bothered about what others did, so long as they were free to do what they liked themselves. Today, one cannot sneeze without being corrected, let alone enjoy oneself. That’s what politics have done to our society.
– Tunku Abdul Rahman, first prime minister
Malaysia is celebrating 65 years of independence. Sorry, I mean Malaya! NOT Malaysia.
From August 31 1957 to August 31 2022, that is 65 years of opportunities to uplift and unify the nation.
There is, of course, a glitch here. The federal government continues to celebrate Hari Merdeka based on the independence of Malaya or a nation known as the Federation of Malaya.
However, on September 16 1963, the Federation of Malaysia was formed via an international treaty. This treaty, The Malaysia Agreement 1963, brought together four nations; Malaya, Singapore, Sabah (then known as North Borneo) and Sarawak.
Therefore the nation, now known as Malaysia, only came into existence in 1963, which is 59 years ago.
Following this sense of logic, it is strange that Sabahans and Sarawakians are made to officially celebrate a federation’s independence that they have nothing to do with. Stranger still is that we in Sarawak are celebrating the Merdeka of the Federation of Malaya, considering that it does not exist anymore.
But then again, we are well-known for rewriting our history to fit either politically convenient or illusory narratives.
In the past, Merdeka was celebrated with much pomp and ceremony in Sarawak. A significant city or town was always selected in Sarawak to celebrate at the state level.
However, over recent years, the celebrations seem to be done on a smaller and muted scale and in smaller towns. This is good as smaller towns can have events on their doorstep. It is also good for the local economy.
On the other hand, perhaps, this is also an indication of Sarawakians’ sentiments towards the Merdeka public holiday and losing its significance in Sarawak.
I suspect it is fast becoming just another day to go out and makan minum with family or friends.
This year we have another aspirational theme for Merdeka Day celebrations. In keeping with the Keluarga Malaysia concept, it is Keluarga Malaysia Teguh Bersama. Its attractive logo represents infrastructural development, communication systems and the expansion of digitalisation efforts for the benefit of Malaysians.
Over the years we have had many aspirational themes such as Muhibah dan Perpaduan; Bersatu Maju; Nasionalisme Teras Perpaduan; Bangsa Tegas Negara Teguh; Bersatu Ke Alaf Baru, and Perpaduan Teras Kejayaan.
However, how many and how much of these aspirations have we achieved in concrete terms? In many aspects, we are still stuck in a quagmire of issues related to race, religion and quotas.
We also have had 12 Malaysia Blueprints, from RMK1 to RMK12. While we have made visible progress, many areas have not been executed professionally and effectively.
To compound this problem, now, after 65 years of Merdeka, we have a past prime minister serving time in prison for corruption. These are not exactly the type of achievements we want to see in our nation. Our news headlines are still full of corruption issues. It would seem with more cases coming to court there will be no end.
In the meantime, the federal government’s neglect of Sarawak and Sabah in the past 59 years is not exactly something to celebrate.
We are fortunate Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has been able to get some of our rights back.
In addition to this to the credit of the Sarawak government, many people-centric policies and projects are being carried out by our Premier independently from the federal government.
Our federal politicians must look beyond race, religion, money making opportunities, themes, logos and slogans. We need principled leadership so that the people can celebrate genuinely, be it Merdeka or Malaysia Day.
While there is still turmoil in Malaya, we are to date, blessed in Sarawak. Abang Johari keeps reaffirming his support for the Sarawak way of life via mutual respect and understanding. He has turned his words into action.
I am sure you would join me in wishing our brothers and sisters in Malaya all the best for their Hari Merdeka, and will celebrate their joy with them for better times ahead.
Hari Malaysia is also fast coming up. I hope nationally, September 16 becomes a unifying celebration throughout Malaysia rather than just in Sabah and Sarawak.
The views expressed here are those of the columnist and do not necessarily represent the views of New Sarawak Tribune.
