Out of curiosity I asked Wikipedia: How old is Malaysia?
The answer: Malaysia achieved independence on 31 August 1957. On 16 September 1963, independent Malaya united with the then British crown colonies of North Borneo, Sarawak, and Singapore to become Malaysia. [https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Malaysia]
My response: What!?
Whoever wrote and edited the article is the dumbest writer or historian in Malaysia (assuming he/she is a Malaysian).
I asked the question because today is our National Day, as stated in the Sarawak Government Almanac and the official list of public holidays for Malaysia. It’s a special day that is celebrated across every state, including Sarawak.
This year, the celebration in Sarawak is happening at the Dewan Politeknik in Mukah Division. We have esteemed guests like Acting Head of State Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, and other state leaders and dignitaries gracing the occasion.
Yesterday, we had several exciting programmes to mark the occasion. There was a Unity Ride and Walk at the Dataran Pehin Setia Raja in the morning, followed by a Unity Talk and Townhall at Dewan Centexs in the afternoon, and an Ambang Merdeka event in the evening.
This is well and good. It’s good to celebrate something that means a lot. Yet, while the Sarawak government has always organised various events to honour this “national” day, it’s worth questioning whether the recognition and celebration of the occasion align with the aspirations of the majority of Sarawakians.
In the past, Sarawakians were accepting and proud to recognise August 31 as Malaysia Day or Independence Day. Many even considered it Sarawak’s Independence Day. However, things have changed now.
In recent years, there has been a growing number of dissenting voices in Sarawak, particularly among the younger generation, who argue that August 31 holds little significance for them historically.
After all, what does August 31, 1957, have to do with Sarawak? Not much. It’s Malaya’s Independence Day, not ours. While we are happy for our fellow citizens across the waters, and even celebrate together with them, we know that we are not celebrating our Independence Day. It’s a clear and straightforward fact that should be a non-issue.
Malaya gained independence from the British on August 31, 1957. Sarawak achieved self-governance on July 22, 1963, followed by Sabah on August 31, 1963. Singapore, which self-governed since 1959 and later separated from the federation in 1965, declared de facto independence on August 31, 1963.
When Malaysia was established on September 16, 1963, there was no need for independence because its component parts were already independent. The celebration of August 31 as Independence Day today is specific to Malaya and Sabah only as Singapore is no longer part of Malaysia.
The increasing reluctance of Sarawakians to celebrate the day is also evident in the declining number of flags being flown compared to before. In the past, people proudly displayed the national colours on their vehicles, and full-sized flags could be seen almost everywhere.
So, should August 31 continue to be our National Day? The state and federal governments should seriously consider this question. While there are other pressing issues to attend to, such as the economy, this matter is significant on a national level. It deserves attention before it negatively impacts the relationships between Malaya, Sarawak, and Sabah. Remember, even a small electrical fuse can cause a blackout when it breaks or melts.
A question that often provokes the sensibilities of Sarawakians is: Why does the country commemorate its National Day on a date that precedes its formation? It doesn’t make much sense.
We need to address this issue to prevent confusion among the younger generation. Ignoring the matter will signal to them that if their elders and leaders don’t care, why should they?
Let’s take a moment to ponder this: Since Independence Day is on September 15, why not call it National Day as well? It’s a way to accomplish two things with a single celebration.
In addition, it is crucial to recognise the importance of educating the younger generation about the significance of commemorating National Day. Rather than treating it as a singular event, it should be an ongoing and engaging process that captures and sustains the attention and interest of the youth, who are constantly exposed to a plethora of captivating content on the Internet.
To enhance the impact of this education, we can explore various strategies to make it more effective and enjoyable for the younger generation.
One approach is to develop interactive online platforms or mobile applications that present historical facts, stories, and cultural insights related to National Day in a captivating and interactive manner. This way, young individuals can learn while having fun and engaging with the content.
Another strategy is to incorporate elements of gamification into educational materials. By transforming learning activities into games, quizzes, or challenges, we can motivate the younger generation to actively participate and learn about the significance of National Day in a competitive and enjoyable way.
Utilising visually appealing and multimedia-rich content, such as videos, animations, and infographics, can also be effective in conveying the historical and cultural importance of National Day. This approach caters to the younger generation’s preference for engaging and easily digestible information.
Encouraging young individuals to collaborate on creative projects related to National Day is another valuable approach. For example, they can participate in art competitions, music performances, or digital storytelling, allowing them to express their creativity while deepening their understanding of the significance behind the commemoration.
Fostering a sense of community and active participation is important as well. This can be achieved by organising events and initiatives that involve the younger generation, such as volunteering opportunities, community service projects, or interactive workshops where they can actively contribute to the celebration and commemoration activities.
Engaging influential figures or respected community members to serve as role models and mentors for the younger generation is also beneficial. Their personal stories and experiences can help inspire and connect young individuals with the historical and cultural values associated with National Day.
Discussing the discrepancy between the date of National Day and the formation of the country encourages critical thinking among the younger generation. It prompts them to question and analyze historical events, dates, and narratives, nurturing their ability to think independently and evaluate information critically.
By raising awareness of this issue, we can inspire the younger generation to actively engage in civic discussions and contribute to shaping our country’s future. Understanding the significance of National Day and its historical context empowers them to participate in dialogue, express their opinions, and take part in decision-making processes.
Educating the younger generation about the importance of addressing historical discrepancies and clarifying national celebrations reinforces democratic values such as transparency, accountability, and inclusivity. It emphasises the significance of acknowledging different perspectives and promoting open discussions on matters of national importance.
Addressing this issue and providing clarity to the younger generation can minimise confusion, misinformation, and divisions among different regions. Clarifying the historical background of National Day fosters unity and understanding among Malaysians from diverse backgrounds, promoting a shared sense of national pride and cohesion.
By implementing the above approaches, we can transform the education of National Day into a dynamic, captivating, and ongoing experience for the younger generation. This will ensure that they not only understand the significance of the commemoration but also develop a strong sense of pride and appreciation for their country’s heritage and values.
The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the New Sarawak Tribune.
