MALAYSIA DAY TO STRENGTHEN 1MALAYSIA CONCEPT

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 20 (Bernama) -- The declaration of Malaysia Day, which
falls on Sept 16 annually, as a national public holiday from next year will
further strengthen the 1Malaysia concept, Information Communication and Culture
Minister Dr Rais Yatim said.

With this, Malaysia would be more cohesive in its national struggle, uniting
Sabah, Sarawak and the peninsula, he added.

"With this announcement, another segment of regional integration is achieved
in a sense that our common struggle is shouldered together.

"It comes in the form of a firm believe in our cohesiveness as one
Malaysia," he told reporters at a function at the Universiti Putra Malaysia
(UPM) here Monday.

Rais said the Malaysia Day celebration was not only in line with the
1Malaysia concept, but also promote better ties.

When asked about the festivities to be held in conjunction with the Malaysia
Day, Rais said the ministry would think of programmes which would be different
from those of the Merdeka (Independence) Day celebrations.

"Next year we will define it, but it will involve various cultural aspects,"
he said.

Prime Minister Najib Razak Monday announced that Malaysia Day would be a
nationwide public holiday starting next year.

Malaysia Day is celebrated on Sept 16 every year to commemorate the
establishment of Malaysia on Sept 16, 1963.
-- BERNAMA