KOTA KINABALU: A sense of satisfaction prevailed among Sabah and Sarawak leaders and ordinary folk now that their longstanding wish for Sept 16 to be given national recognition had been granted.
To them, the declaration of Sept 16 as a national holiday would go a long way in making the 1Malaysia concept a reality.
Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) president Datuk Joseph Pairin Kitingan said Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak’s announcement had long been awaited by the people of Sabah and Sarawak.
“The move to celebrate Malaysia Day would strengthen patriotism and a sense of unity among all Malaysians,” said Pairin, who is Deputy Chief Minister.
PBS deputy president Datuk Dr Maximus Ongkili said the recognition of Malaysia Day as a public holiday was a tribute to Malaysians not just in Sabah and Sarawak but also throughout the country.
It would enhance appreciation of national history and deepen the national consciousness especially among the people of Sabah and Sarawak, he said.
He also said that this was a cornerstone of the Prime Minister’s 1Malaysia concept.
“I thank the Government for finally approving a long overdue request by the people of Sabah and Sarawak as well as those in peninsular Malaysia, who have always argued that Sept 16 is a key event in the history of the nation.”
United Pasok Momogun Kadazandusun Murut Organisation (Upko) secretary-general Datuk Wilfred Tangau said Malaysia Day celebration would serve as the foundation of 1Malaysia.
The 1Malaysia Foundation said the move would further improve the relations between Sabah, Sarawak and peninsular Malaysia.
“For a long time there has been the feeling of inequality between Malaysians living in the east and those in the peninsula,” foundation chairman Dr Chandra Muzaffar said.
He hoped the closer relations would translate into the narrowing of the socioeconomic gap between the three territories.
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