By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, Sept 15: Malaysia Day is an opportunity for Sarawakians to continue evaluating not only their accomplishments but also their shortcomings since the formation of Malaysia 59 years ago.
This was stated by Sarawak Deputy Premier Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian after officiating at a Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia (JBPM) programme to strengthen solidarity with the community at the Tabuan Jaya Fire and Rescue Station here today.
“For Sabah and Sarawak, the aspiration of Sarawakians especially, we still haven’t got everything that we are supposed to get since we formed Malaysia.
“So yes, Malaysia Day is a day for us to reassess not just what we have achieved but also what we have failed to achieve.
“That is how important it is, otherwise, people tend to forget,” Dr Sim highlighted.
He also said that as most of the generation which fought for the formation of Malaysia are no longer around, Malaysia Day is also important for raising awareness of the spirit that led to the formation of Malaysia.
He added that the younger generation also needs to be aware of why Malaya, Sabah, and Sarawak came together.
“That spirit shall continue. Even though some of the spirit [behind] the formation of Malaysia was not written in black and white, we want everyone not only to know that spirit but also to honour it.
“One of the spirits (suc) is why Sarawak is allowed to use English until we are comfortable,” he added.
Dr Sim, who is also the Sarawak Minister for Public Health, Housing, and Local Government, asserted: “Even though the spirit is not written in black and white, that is a spirit of assuring Sarawakians that when we formed Malaysia, we are not going to get bullied.” — DayakDaily
