KUALA LUMPUR: Since the nation's supreme law is called the Federal Constitution of Malaysia, it is only appropriate for the country to solely celebrate Malaysia Day and forego Merdeka Day, Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz (BN - Padang Rengas) said.
He said such a change should've been thought off by previous leaders years ago, adding that it was "embarrassing" for the country to stick to an old celebration that had nothing to do with Malaysia.
"It is called the Federal Constitution of Malaysia, not the Federal Constitution of Malaya. How many years has it been since we formed Malaysia?
"To me, this is very embarrassing. The Aug 31, 1957, Merdeka Day (date) has no meaning to the Malaysian Federation.
"In my opinion, the (term) Merdeka Day should be dropped (from the constitution) because having these two days (of celebrations) will create two separate thoughts that, one, we have gained independence and another is for Malaysia.
"Instead of including the words Malaysia Day (in the constitution), I believe the term should just replace Merdeka Day instead," he said in the Dewan Rakyat when debating the Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2021 which was tabled for the second reading today.
Nazri said if the country is serious about coming together as one nation with Sabah and Sarawak, the nation should let history remain as history.
He also urged all quarters to stop spreading sentiments that the Borneon states are separated from the peninsula.
"It's okay to read the history in books but moving forward, we should want to celebrate Malaysia Day," he said.