MERDEKA DAY - A TIME TO CELEBRATE UNITY

By Kristy Inus

KOTA KINABALU (Sabah, Malaysia), Aug 24 (Bernama) -- Often, there have been
debates among the people of the east Malaysian state of Sabah, over the subject
of dates for Independence Day and Malaysia Day.

While the arguments continue whether it was on Aug 31, 1957 or Sept 16,
1963, senior citizens, especially those who had witnessed both ocassions said it
was time for the rakyat (the citizens) to reflect on what mattered most -- that
is, the changes which Independence brought to the nation.

For 62-year-old retired nurse, Mary Martha, it was more important to
celebrate the idea of unity than putting stress on debating on the actual date
of National Day.

"Look at how different it was, before and now. Back then, it was difficult
for us to get basic education and I was only schooling until primary six; now
the country ensures education for all children and most of our youth are able
to get a degree now," she told Bernama in a recent interview.

Malaysia, she said, had been developing "pretty well" and the people should
feel blessed to stay in a country where people of different backgrounds could
build communities together, avoiding friction and political instability which
other developing countries faced, due to differences amongst its peoples.

"So, we should just celebrate Merdeka (Independence) Day, or Malaysia Day,
both dates are good to me. As long as we remember, that the formation of
Malaysia has brought a lot of good for us.

"The new generation is lucky to be able to enjoy all the infrastructure and
benefits, which the past generation could only dream about before the nation
gained Independence," she added.

Jerry Nuating recalled the people beaming with pride when the nation finally
gained independence.

"Back then, I was young but I remember that during the Merdeka Day
celebrations, parades were held at schools and we sang the national anthem. At
that time, there was neither a float procession or large-scale celebration...it
was just a normal celebration but we observed it with great joy.

"Now, the Merdeka month celebrations are on a grander scale as there are
sophisticated fireworks, many programmes are held in each state and also at
national-level, and they are all very colourful," said the 57-year-old former
government servant.

However, he feared that the present-day generation might not be able to
appreciate such significant events like those in the past, and hoped to see more
activities planned to spark the spirit of patriotism among the youth.

Businesswoman Anna Chua, 59, said that although she could not recall much of
the moments when Malaysia achieved independence as she was a small girl then,
she was aware that it brought much development to the country.

She said since independence, Malaysia, especially Sabah, had became
well-known and respected in the global arena, because there was peace and
harmony in the country.

"The fact that we are united gives us strength to grow and become
developed," she said.
-- BERNAMA


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