MALAYSIA Day has been observed annually since 1963, but this year’s commemoration was unique in several regards.
Greater awareness of nation’s formation
Firstly, 2020 marks a decade since Malaysia Day was made a national public holiday.
It also marks 20 years since it was included in nationwide independence celebrations, where the period between August 17 and September 16 is designated as Merdeka Month.
In these two decades – more so the last 10 years – the celebration of Malaysia Day on September 16 has helped the public become more aware that the country was formed as a result of a merger between Malaya, Sabah, Sarawak and Singapore.
And, it has brought attention to issues related to the Malaysia Agreement 1963, as well as those concerning Sabah and Sarawak, particularly the unfair treatment meted out to them and their lack of economic development.
We hope this awareness will continue, and Sabah and Sarawak accorded due attention.
Vision 2020 unrealised
We were supposed to achieve Vision 2020 this year, and had probably visualised triumphant Merdeka and Malaysia Day celebrations marking our entrance into the club of advanced economies.
Alas, this dream remains just that.
Instead, what dominated our social media radar this Merdeka Month were reports of a massive water supply disruption in the Klang Valley, followed by flash floods, and news of two deputy ministers questioning the veracity of articles on how Universiti Malaysia Sabah student Veveonah Mosibin had to climb a tree to get better internet connection to sit an online examination.
We probably did not think we would have flying cars by 2020, but we would not have expected to be without a reliable water supply, a good flood-control system and decent internet coverage nationwide.
Moving forward, it is necessary to tone down our obsession with megaprojects and skyscrapers, and instead, adopt a back-to-basics approach to ensure we do not fail in what truly matters.
Sabah goes to the polls
Malaysia Day this year falls during the Sabah election campaign period, with the Sarawak polls and general election looming.
The Sabah vote is the first major election since the change of federal government in May 2018, and we hope all parties will compete fairly.
We trust that the Election Commission will do its utmost to ensure free and fair elections for the benefit of Sabahans.
‘New normal’
The recovery movement control order has been extended until December 31, and we call on all Malaysians not to let their guard down as the fight against Covid-19 continues in the “new normal”.
This year might not be the one in which we become a developed country. Nevertheless, our shared aspiration for a strong, united and prosperous Malaysia must persist.
The quest for unity as we march towards a common destiny must ever more be cherished if we are to maintain Malaysia as a truly rainbow nation. While recognising that there are many social deficits hindering or threatening to derail this goal, citizens from all walks of life must guard this precious heritage.
History may well remember 2020 for the coronavirus pandemic, but we can make this year a memorable one in our books – a time when Malaysians, in all our diversity, stood united in the face of adversity and ultimately prevailed.
Selamat Hari Malaysia. – The Vibes, September 19, 2020
Badlishah Sham Baharin is chairman of Gabungan Bertindak Malaysia.
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