Happy Malaysia Day!

It has been 4 year since our Malaysian Day on 16th Sept declared as a public holiday. It is to marked the birth of Malaysia as a nation starting in 1963 when Malaya, North Borneo (Sabah), and Sarawak came together to form the nation of Malaysia. It should be a holiday for all to appreciate the value and importance of this day where it celebrates her people, her land, her future.

As we celebrate Malaysia Day, it is heartening to know that there is still a lack of awareness and ignorance still reigns among Malaysian about Malaysia Day.

Among the common misconceptions were:
1)  16th September 1963 is the date where Sabah and Sarawak join Malaysia, and hence Malaysia Day.

In fact, Sabah and Sarawak did not join Malaysia! They came together with Malaya and Singapore on Sept 16 in 1963 to become the Federation of Malaysia. Singapore left the federation two years later.
So, do not ask question such as ‘when did Sabah and Sarawak join Malaysia?’ or you get explosives answers especially from our fellow Malaysians from East. 

2) Penisular Malaysia is larger than Malaysian Borneo.

I know our somewhat distorted map would make many think that Penisular Malaysia appears larger than Malaysian Borneo, but in fact the Malaysian Borneo territories make up 61% of Malaysian land mass. Sarawak and Penisular Malaysia are roughly the same size.

3)     Malaysia Day is Sabah and Sarawak Independent Day celebration.

This is so wrong. It is of course a crude oversimplification on the government’s part to take this approach. Any student of history will see that there were many players who had a role in the acquiring of independence. *read my post about FAIRLAND SARAWAK* And it must be stressed that Malaysia Day is a national celebration and not Malaysian Borneo one. It is not partisan issues. It is about us – Malaysians. I feel proud that Sabah and Sarawak are part of Malaysia! Malaysia without Sabah and Sarawak is just plain Persekutuan Tanah Melayu. Malaya.  The addition of Sabah and Sarawak has made our Malaysian culture more diverse and unique.

So, as we celebrate Malaysia Day, I wish Malaysia to be prosperous, peaceful and more importantly united in celebration. Proud to be Malaysian. Saya anak Malaysia! Glory to God for this nation!

Selamat Hari Malaysia yang ke 50th!

Let's pray for everyone in our nation and may each one take refuge in our Lord. Pslam 1:12 "Blessed are all who take refuge in Him".

Love and faith,
Ambai