HOW many of us know and care about Malaysia Day, the history of the formation of Malaysia? Is the public holiday given by the government for all states on Sept 16 starting from 2010 just another day, without people knowing the significance behind the big events that took place on that day? Is it merely historical record?
It is definitely the most significant moment showing us the unification of Federation of Malaya, North Borneo (Sabah), Sarawak and Singapore, though Singapore separated from the country in 1965.
The idea of unification came about after prime minister Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj proposed the establishment of the Federation of Malaysia on May 27, 1961. This was followed by the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Conference Branch of Malaya in Singapore on July 23, which decided on the establishment of the Malaysia Solidarity Consultative Committee chaired by Tun Mohammad Fuad Stephens.
This idea was proposed to curb the growing communist influence that could threaten regional political stability. In addition, it aimed to balance the population, accelerate the independence process for Sabah, Sarawak and Singapore, and further enhance economic stabilisation.
Malaysia Day is just as important as National Day. Both are significant in the formation of the Malaysia that we see today.
However, there are some views from multiple streams of academic thinkers who said that National Day is more significant than Malaysia Day because if the country did not achieve independence first, Malaysia Day would not exist.
Nevertheless, it must be remembered that every historical event is a continuous process. An event that happens today is part of yesterday's event, and it is likely to support and become a catalyst and aspiration to some of the events that will happen in the future. If there was no formation of Malaysia in 1963, then it is certain that whatever achievements that we have so far are impossible.
Therefore, as Malaysians, let us appreciate and learn the lessons from the history of Malaysia Day. Do not waste the efforts of our country's fighters who had sacrificed a lot in forming the Federation of Malaysia to ensure that every citizen lives in a peaceful and harmonious country.
The words from the late Emeritus Professor Tan Sri Dr Khoo Kay Kim, a national historian, that "people who are shallow, blind and do not care about the history of the country will make the generation corrupt and worsen the situation in the country" were right.
This is because such people usually like to create negative sentiments that can disrupt the political and economic stability, which subsequently will affect the prosperity of the country. Differences in cultures, languages and beliefs should not be the reason for these negative sentiments, which, in turn, affect national unity.
Negative sentiments such as racial, religious, political and economic issues that we often see in the press and as a result of an explosion of information on social media are disappointing. They create a wide gap between every race in the country. If this gap is not covered and fixed, it will lead to the collapse of the administrative system of a country and chaos.
This is why it is important for every Malaysian to re-learn the philosophy behind the formation of Malaysia. With it, a sense of love and responsibility for the country will exist in every soul and heart of Malaysians. Let us together celebrate this diversity.
"Malaysia Prihatin" is the theme of Malaysia Day and according to Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah, Sibu will be the host for Malaysia Day celebrations this year.
Therefore, the spirit of "Malaysia Prihatin" should be enlivened from all aspects of community life, not only in an effort to end the Covid-19 pandemic — which is still spreading in Malaysia — but also being appreciated and practised in achieving unity to defend national sovereignty and prosperity.
Tolerance, cooperation and respect will become our culture and identity in line with the principles of politeness and decency in the Rukun Negara. Remember that before Sept 16, 1963, there was no country called Malaysia, there was only Malaya, Sabah, Sarawak and Singapore. Therefore, Sept 16 should be celebrated by every Malaysian with pride.
The writer is a Senior Lecturer, Counselling Programme, Faculty of Leadership and Management, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia