By Unimas Interns
Sept 16, which is today, is a significant date for Malaysians.
On this day in 1963, Sarawak, Sabah, Malaya and Singapore joined together to form Malaysia. Singapore, however, broke away in 1965.
Sarawak, Sabah and Malaya have since taken great strides towards becoming a developed nation.
This year’s celebration will undeniably be less joyous due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the need to strictly observe the new norms to break the chain of infection.
Nevertheless, as New Sarawak Tribune found out in a random interview, the spirit of the celebration remains intact.
This year marks the second year in a row for Sarawak playing host. Last year, it was held at Padang Merdeka in Kuching while this year, it is staged in Sibu.
Joseph Ramanair
(Academic)
“Malaysia Day is a time for us to reflect where we have been and the direction we need to take as we move forward and work as a nation for a better tomorrow despite our differences.”
Mohd Zulhemi
(Student)
“For me, the most Malaysian thing is when we go outside of Malaysia for a long time. The first thing we think about is food and the celebration we might have missed while we are away.”
Nor Mazreena Mazlan
(Lecturer)
“Malaysia Day is about appreciating those who fought so hard for our independence. The fact that we can enjoy what we have today can never be achieved without appreciating the people who fought for what we have today.”
Leandro Mcrae
(Supervisor)
“To me, Malaysia Day is a day to celebrate how far we have come. We celebrate our unity as a harmonious country that has better and brighter things ahead of us.”
Edwin Kueh Ruey Wei
(Freelance photographer)
“As a Malaysian who is living in Singapore and unable to return home, I certainly miss my hometown dearly. I’m doing my part as a proud Malaysia by obeying instructions and procedures implemented by the government to keep the spread of the Covid-19 at bay.”
Charlene Rumi Goleng
(Nurse)
“I love how Malaysia has an unbreakable bond though we are multiracial and this Malaysia Day is a symbol of our unity. The best part of this celebration is that we have a lot of activities and campaigns such as Sayangi Malaysia to get people to know and understand about our multiracial society.”
