Unity in the Spirit of 1Malaysia, Malaysia Day Wish for All

By CAROLINE JACKSON KUCHING (Sarawak, Malaysia) Sept 10 (Bernama) -- As Sarawak celebrates its 50th anniversary of independence within Malaysia, Tokoh Kemerdekaan (Independence Day) award recipient Dominic Dago's fervent wish is to see Malaysians remaining steadfastly united in the spirit of 1Malaysia. The former Member of Parliament for Serian said the younger generation had to emulate the unwavering patriotism shown by their forefathers in the struggle to achieve independence. He pointed out that the prevailing harmony, peace, stability and prosperity of the nation could not be taken for granted. "Malaysia Day that falls on Sept 16 commemorates the birth of Malaysia 50 years ago. It is our foundation for a better future," said Dago, 80, who is the last surviving member of the Inter-Governmental Committee that worked out the negotiation details on Sarawak and Sabah's (then known as North Borneo) inclusion in the Federation of Malaysia (together with Malaya and Singapore). PRO-MALAYSIA FINDINGS He was sad that not many young Malaysians knew that Sarawak had earlier gained independence from the British on July 22, 1963, which was a prelude to its participation in the Malaysian Federation. On Sept 16, 1963, the declaration ceremony of the Federation of Malaysia, held at the Central Padang, now Padang Merdeka, was officiated by the first Head of State Datu Abang Openg Abang Sapiee, who was the late father of the present Sarawak Housing and Tourism Minister Amar Abang Johari. At the historical event, Sarawak's first chief minister, the late Stephen Kalong Ningkan and federal minister Mohd Khir Johari, who represented the Malayan government, also spoke. Recalling his experience on the early formation of Malaysia, he said many people in Sarawak supported the formation of Malaysia with Parti Negara Sarawak (Panas or National Party of Sarawak), led by the late Bandar Mustapha being the first local political party in favour of the move. Yet there were also a small group that prefered the British to stay because they were regarded as a neutral party while some chose to cross over the border to Indonesia to take up the armed struggle that eventually started the Communist insurgency in the state, he said. The first several years of Malaysian history were marred by the Indonesian Confrontation, Communist insurgency, claims on Sabah by the Philippines and Singapore's secession from the Federation on Aug 19, 1965. HARDSHIP "There were problems and difficulties faced by our people, especially those living near the Indonesian-Malaysian border, who had to dig holes under their houses to escape for safety," he said, adding that the authorities concerned also enforced curfew, especially in remote areas faced with the Communist threat. Eventually the government decided to regroup those being targeted by the Communists in controlled areas, such as Siburan, Beratok and Tapah along the Kuching-Serian road while in Sibu the Rejang Area Security Command (Rascom) was established. "Before that, they had no roads, no proper water supply, no electricity, no school, no clinic but now I am happy to see our relatives and friends living or settling in the new settlement areas with tar-sealed roads, fully treated water supply, electricity, good schools, clinics and so on," he recalled. GEN Y Meanwhile, Sarawak Bloggers Society president Cyril Dason, 30, lauded the Federal Government's decision to recognise the importance of Sarawak and Sabah's role in the formation of the federation, that saw Sept 16 being gazetted as a public holiday a few years ago. While many people of his age group, commonly referred to as the Gen Y, might want to celebrate the Malaysia Day differently by hanging out with their peers at the malls, night spots or beaches, Cyril said as a blogger, he would use the social media to promote the occasion and share a lot of interesting articles online. For Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB or United Traditional Bumiputera Party) Marudi branch youth chief Sahrein Maloh, 33, Malaysia Day is a reminder that for every Malaysian that unity is important, no matter whether they came from Sarawak, Sabah or the Peninsula. Sahrein will be joining in the many activities being organised by the government, including the Malaysia Day parade where 92 contingents, comprising 4,000 participants taking part at the Padang Merdeka here. "I do not mind waking up early that day to capture the moment through the lens to boost the motivation and spirit of patriotism of the younger generation," he said. Similar sentiments were shared by an executive of a government linked agency, Scott Kuek, 34, who would also be lending his support to his colleagues participating in the parade. "A lot of people around my age rather prefer to watch the live broadcast on their television sets to avoid the traffic congestion but I am kind of curious and want to experience the real 'feel' of the celebrations at the venue itself," he said. GOLDEN JUBILLEE BASH Despite Scott's busy workload, he has taken the opportunity to visit the ongoing "Sarawak 50 Glorious Years" exhibition at the Sarawak Tourism Complex here, which he described being informative as it gave a glimpse about Sarawak's past and how difficult the struggle for independence was. On the eve of Malaysia Day, King Tuanku Abdul Halim is scheduled to join in the grand celebration where his majesty is expected to witness the decorated vessel parade at the Kuching Waterfront here before attending the Malaysia Day's parade at the Padang Merdeka the next day. Commonwealth war veteran forces from Britain, Australia and New Zealand, the Brooke family, and civil servants who had served here when the state achieved independence have been invited as well. It will also be attended by Sarawak Head of State (Governor) Abang Muhammad Salahuddin Abang Barieng, Prime Minister Najib Razak and Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud as well as national and foreign dignitaries. -- BERNAMA