Low Awareness On Malaysia Day Even After 58 Years Says Sabah Mp

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Children waving flags of Sabah, Sarawak and the Jalur Gemilang at a Malaysia Day celebration in Kuching last year. (Bernama pic)KOTA KINABALU: Malaysians might be celebrating the 58th birthday of the nation today but actually how far do they value its importance or know about the country’s origins?
That is the basic question posed by Tuaran MP Wilfred Madius Tangau over the appreciation and awareness of the people in general regarding Malaysia Day, in a webinar titled “Constitutional Safeguards for Sabah and Sarawak’s Autonomy” today.
He said the level of knowledge and awareness among Malaysians on the basic historical facts on the formation of Malaysia was “very low”.
“The issues and situation that are causing tension in Sabah and Sarawak is based on a lack of understanding. Therefore, an appreciation of the basic foundation and needs on which this nation was formed is essential,” he added.
Illustrating his point, Tangau, whose Upko party recently joined Pakatan Harapan (PH), pointed out that Malaysia Day was not officially recognised as a national holiday until 2010, meaning it had only been formally celebrated for 11 years.
“The celebration had only rotated between Kota Kinabalu and Kuching previously. So, ladies and gentlemen, Malaysia is only Sabah and Sarawak.
“It has never been celebrated in Kuala Lumpur or any other part of the peninsula,” he said.
As such, Tangau said there is a burning question coming especially from Sabah and Sarawak over why only these states were busy celebrating the birth of Malaysia.
“We have a new nation called Malaysia but why are you not respecting the birthday of that nation? Why didn’t you celebrate it?
“Until today those in the peninsula are reluctant to celebrate it in the national capital – why? So yesterday, I mentioned during my speech in Parliament that maybe it’s about time (to hold celebrations in the peninsula).
“I urge the new government to please make it a point to celebrate Malaysia Day in the national capital and other parts of the peninsula,” he said, noting that only by doing so will it increase awareness among all Malaysians.
Tangau went on to explain the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) document was among several national documents not granted public access after the proclamation of emergency following the May 13, 1969 race riots.
“It wasn’t until former prime minister Najib Razak lifted the emergency ordinance in 2011, that the MA63 was made available for examination by academicians and researchers, among others.
“So people began to look at it and today more people are talking about it. But personally I would like to see more researchers, scholars and universities examining it,” he said.
On Sabah and Sarawak’s representation in Parliament, Tangau proposed that both states have one-third representation in the Dewan Negara, if their demand of having the same number in the lower house cannot be achieved.
“If you can’t do it (one-third representation) in the Dewan Rakyat, we can actually achieve that in the Dewan Negara because it is just a convention and you don’t have to amend the constitution.
“The Yang di-Pertuan Agong can appoint these additional senators from Sabah and Sarawak.
“This is so that if there is an amendment to the constitution by the Dewan Rakyat, it can go to the Dewan Negara and it can then deliberate on the amendment,” he said. - FMT

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