Sabah to host first Malaysia Day celebration
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah will officially host the first Malaysia Day celebration themed ‘Generating Transformation’ on Sept 16 at Padang Merdeka here, the same spot when Malaysia Day was declared 47 years ago.
MALAYSIA DAY LOGO: (From left) Salang, Masidi and Liaw showing the logo and theme for the first Malaysia Day celebration. — Bernama photo
Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun yesterday said that the theme was in line with the government’s aspiration to promote better and more efficient delivery services, while igniting the people’s pride to be a Malaysian.
He pointed out that some people did not fully understand the formation of Malaysia and the cultures in Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah.
“We hope with the celebration and logo, we not only transform the government’s services towards the people, but also ensure that government structure is more people-friendly.
“The government also hopes this will transform the minds of the people to appreciate our country, while igniting the unity among ourselves,” Masidi said when announcing the good news yesterday during a courtesy call by Deputy Information, Communications and Culture Minister Datuk Joseph Salang Gandum, who is also the co-organiser of the event, to discuss the celebration.
A special committee will also be set up for the celebration, which is expected to be officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Abdul Razak.
Next year’s celebration is slated to be held in Sarawak.
Masidi also said the celebration would show that all people in Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak were equal under the federation.
“If there is (inequality), then it is time to remind people to make decisions that Sabah and Sarawak should be treated equally.”
He also urged agencies and departments to organise their own Malaysia Day programmes, and called on the people to take part in the celebration although it would be held on the seventh day of Hari Raya.
Meanwhile, Salang said the celebration would allow people to understand the real meaning behind Malaysia Day and how Malaysia was formed through exhibitions in archive and museum.
He stressed that the Independence Day on Aug 31 was not only for the states in West Malaysia but also for Sabah and Sarawak.
“And 16 days later, the Federation of Malaysia was formed.
“We hope that history will not be forgotten but introduced to the people, particularly young people.”
Also present was Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry permanent secretary Datuk Suzannah Liaw.
Sabah dan Sarawak wajar dilayan sama rata dengan negeri-negeri lain di Malaysia....
BalasPadamI hope what they mean by equality is not just a mere celebration but equal treatment for Sabah and Sarawak in all aspects.
BalasPadamSabah and Sarawak deserves to be treated fairly. We are all Malaysians, we all contributed taxes and efforts to the country!
BalasPadamThe East Malaysians really deserves an equality. Time to wake up and remind them, that without us, Malaysia will never exist.
BalasPadamI am agree to what did Masidi said. We are all the same!!! 1Malaysia.
BalasPadamWhat is the reason for 1 Malaysia if the people are treated differently?
BalasPadamWe want equality, is that so much to ask?
BalasPadamDiharapkan kerajaan tidak akan mengabaikan kebaikan orang Sabah dan Sarawak.
BalasPadamSabah dan Sarawak dah lama bergabung dengan Semenanjung, harap kerajaan pusat akan menjaga orang Sabah dan Sarawak.
BalasPadamBut we all must know about 1 thing, that some of the specialty cannot be disturbed, and the 1Malaysia only can apply for the equalization in certain issues.
BalasPadam