In a previous article, “Shame on you, my fellow Sarawakians,” I posited that the National Day, Aug 31, holds little meaning for Sarawak and Sabah.
“It is a day for Malayans to celebrate their independence day. Of course, Sarawakians and Sabahans can rejoice with Malayans on their National Day, but Aug 31 has no significance for those in the Borneo territories.”
Since then, I’m glad to learn that some prominent Sarawakians, including a state minister, also shared my views about Aug 31.
Deputy Chief Minister James Jemut Masing came out strongly to declare that “Sarawakians should not be celebrating on Aug 31 as it has nothing to do with Sarawak.”
“Aug 31 has nothing to do with us. It is Malaya’s Independence Day”, he said in a statement carried by a Sarawak news portal. [...]
... two years ago, Sarawak DAP chairman Chong Chieng Jen called on the state government to stop celebrating National Day on Aug 31, saying that “there was no justification and reason to waste public fund celebrating a day which has no historical significance for Sarawak and Sarawakians”.
He claimed that Sarawak has been forced to spend millions of ringgit to mark Aug 31 each year in keeping with a federal directive, which could be better used for rural development instead.
Two responses to Chong’s statement, presumably from Sarawakians, say it all for the majority in the hornbill state.
“This has nothing to do with patriotism. It’s not that we, in Sarawak, are not patriotic Malaysian citizens but it’s a historical fact. Aug 31 holds no historical meaning for Sarawakians,” one said.
“Chong is right. Aug 31 is insignificant to Sarawakians. We are already celebrating July 22 as the day of our self-governance and Sept 16 as Malaysia Day. That is enough,” another posed.
“It is a day for Malayans to celebrate their independence day. Of course, Sarawakians and Sabahans can rejoice with Malayans on their National Day, but Aug 31 has no significance for those in the Borneo territories.”
Since then, I’m glad to learn that some prominent Sarawakians, including a state minister, also shared my views about Aug 31.
Deputy Chief Minister James Jemut Masing came out strongly to declare that “Sarawakians should not be celebrating on Aug 31 as it has nothing to do with Sarawak.”
“Aug 31 has nothing to do with us. It is Malaya’s Independence Day”, he said in a statement carried by a Sarawak news portal. [...]
... two years ago, Sarawak DAP chairman Chong Chieng Jen called on the state government to stop celebrating National Day on Aug 31, saying that “there was no justification and reason to waste public fund celebrating a day which has no historical significance for Sarawak and Sarawakians”.
He claimed that Sarawak has been forced to spend millions of ringgit to mark Aug 31 each year in keeping with a federal directive, which could be better used for rural development instead.
Two responses to Chong’s statement, presumably from Sarawakians, say it all for the majority in the hornbill state.
“This has nothing to do with patriotism. It’s not that we, in Sarawak, are not patriotic Malaysian citizens but it’s a historical fact. Aug 31 holds no historical meaning for Sarawakians,” one said.
“Chong is right. Aug 31 is insignificant to Sarawakians. We are already celebrating July 22 as the day of our self-governance and Sept 16 as Malaysia Day. That is enough,” another posed.
What then is the reason for two dates for our National Day, that of 31 August and 16 September?
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Lee Kuan yew was the actual conceptualiser of the merger of Malaya, Singapore, Sarawak, Sabah & Brunei From Wikipedia: On 24 April 1961 Lee Kuan Yew proposed the idea of forming Malaysia during a meeting to Tunku Abdul Rahman, after which Tunku invited Lee to prepare a paper elaborating on this idea. On 9 May, Lee sent the final version of the paper to Tunku and then deputy Malayan Prime Minister Abdul Razak. There were doubts about the practicality of the idea but Lee assured the Malayan government of continued Malay political dominance in the new federation. Razak supported the idea of the new federation and worked to convince Tunku to back it. On 27 May 1961, Abdul Rahman proposed the idea of forming "Malaysia", which would consist of Brunei, Malaya, North Borneo, Sarawak, and Singapore, all except Malaya still under British rule |
Wikipedia informs: After reviewing the Cobbold Commission's findings, the British government appointed the Landsdowne Commission to draft a constitution for Malaysia. The eventual constitution was essentially the same as the 1957 constitution, albeit with some rewording; for instance, giving recognition to the special position of the natives of the Borneo States.
North Borneo, Sarawak and Singapore were also granted some autonomy unavailable to the states of Malaya. After negotiations in July 1963, it was agreed that Malaysia would come into being on 31 August 1963, consisting of Malaya, North Borneo, Sarawak and Singapore.
The date was to coincide with the independence day of Malaya and the British giving self-rule to Sarawak and North Borneo.
However, the Philippines and Indonesia strenuously objected to this development, with Indonesia claiming Malaysia represented a form of "neocolonialism" and the Philippines claiming North Borneo as its territory.
The opposition from the Indonesian government led by Sukarno and attempts by the Sarawak United People's Party delayed the formation of Malaysia.
Due to these factors, an eight-member UN team was formed to re-ascertain whether North Borneo and Sarawak truly wanted to join Malaysia.
Malaysia formally came into being on 16 September 1963, consisting of Malaya, North Borneo, Sarawak, and Singapore. In 1963 the total population of Malaysia was about 10 million.
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one of few Malaysian politicians who were/are honest |
Although Tunku Abdul Rahman wanted the National Day for Malaysia to be 31 August, a day he held dear to his patriotic heart, he was stymied in his wish by Indonesian and Filipino protests.
Thus Malaysia's Independence was delayed by a last-minute UN investigation into the wishes of the new states joining Malaya, with the UN's investigation and approval pushing the would-be Independence Day two weeks further forward to 16 September 1963.
After years of hearing bitter arguments (inclduing some views of my own), I have changed my mind to agree with our Sarawakian and Sabahan brethren, that the date of 31 August should lie in the archives of our nation with the merger of the states of Sabah, Sarawak and Malaya.
16 September should and shall be our ONLY collective Malaysian National Day.
If Peninsularians want to celebrate 31 August as Malaya Day, go ahead but it should not be a Malaysian National Day but rather a Malayan Day.
Malaysia was born out of Malaya.
ReplyDeleteIt is NOT some totally different construct.
The Constitution remained virtually unchanged as the 1957 Constitution, with minor changes to ensure it is compatible in detail with the addition of 2 States.
Malaya's flag remained the same, with minor changes.
Of course 31st August is Merdeka Day.
Aussies should enjoy their Australia Day long weekend, and Fuck Off lecturing Malaysians on what is the meaning of Merdeja.
STOP BULLSHITTING - Malaysia was NOT born out of Malaya. Malaysia has been a MERGER of Sabah, Sarawak, Singapore and Malaya (Brunei backing out at lats minute).
DeleteCEASE your colonial (Peninsula) mentality
i agree it has no significance 2 us East Malaysians. e Malaya merdeka event has no meaning 2 us as much as e Islamic state concept. those r Malayan matters. i wonder whether SG celebrated Malayan merdeka event when it was still part of MY.
ReplyDeletePls catch the crooked thief in Sarawak nàjib..n taib .then celebrate.
ReplyDeleteThe original 13 states formed the United States and declared independence from Britain on July 4 1776. Subsequently the other 37 entities joined the Union at various times. But today all 50 states agree that the original Independence Day will be celebrated on 4th of July, celebrating independence from Britain and not on the date of joining the Union. Why can't we Malaysians do the same?
ReplyDeleteunlike states joining the original 13 states of the USA, Sabah and Sarawak (and even Sing) did NOT join the Federation of Malaya. Rather, the Federation of Malaya and Sing and Sabah and Sarawak merged together into one new state called Malaysia, which came into being on 16 Sept 1963
DeleteWe use the word “merger” rather loosely. It was hardly a coming together of equal entities. In 1963 Malaya was already a proven independent self-governing country. Singapore, Sabah and Sarawak were still British colonies, with unproven self-governing capability. That was why their people agreed to join Malaya. They agreed KL to be their capital, despite Singapore being the more developed city. They agreed to adopt the Malayan flag as their national flag, with the addition of some stripes.
DeleteHaving said that Malaysians should now agree on one common date, whether it be Aug 31, Sept 16 or whatever. It is immature to continue debating dates.
Singapore was granted full internal self-government in 1959
DeleteFull internal self givernment is NOT independence.
DeleteThe British made it clear at the time Singapore, Sarawak and North Borneo could not receive independence as stand alone entities.
Either join with Malaya or no independence.
In the same light of the NZ's controversial national day!
ReplyDeleteWaiting day, 6th'Feb is now considered the national day of New Zealand.
Prior to 1934, most celebrations of New Zealand's founding as a colony were held on 29 January, the date on which William Hobson arrived in the Bay of Islands to issue the proclamation of his appointment, which had been prepared by colonial office officials in England.
However, many Maori consider(ed) Feb 6th is the day to commemorate the day that the Pākehā (white immigrants) had conned the Māori out of their land via treaty injustices!
Up till today, the significant of Waitangi Day lies with the memory of How the Māori was been cheated by the Whites.
Draw a similarity with how the Sabahans/Sarawakians view 31st Aug!
Cheebye motherfucker kaytee is aussie lang la.....Try this news better
DeleteI do hope that Peter Dutton to be next Australia PM. Then I will write letter to the new crowned PM to banish cheebye kaytee back to Malaysia without compensation
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2018/aug/24/dutton-as-pm-indigenous-and-migrant-australians-are-deeply-worried
I did NOT fCk your mother lah.
DeleteGlad to inform you Peter Dutton lost, wakakaka, and new PM is Scott Morrison, with deputy Josh Frydenburg
Cheebye motherfucker kaytee......Julia Bishop.....Oh shit....the fucking days kaytee can "song song" in australia is almost over
ReplyDeletehttps://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2018/aug/24/dutton-as-pm-indigenous-and-migrant-australians-are-deeply-worried
Cheebye kaytee should be very worried. Together with Pauline Hanson, kaytee kukuciao will be gone.....hahahaha.....
Even scott morrison is the next PM, kaytee should be worried as Malcolm Turnbull resigned from his MPship.....hahahahaha
I did NOT fCk your mother lah
DeleteHawaii became a US state 183 years after US independence. Yet it celebrates the US Independence Day 4th July with no less enthusiasm, even though 4th July 1776 has no historical significance to Hawaii.
ReplyDeleteIt's a celebration of nationhood and shared values Ler.
Said Sarawak Sabah and Singapore merged with Malaya but notice the different status. Malaya was independent while the other 3 were not. It was more like a condition by the British to grant the 3 independent status provided they join Malaya. So I would leaned more on August 31 rather than September 16
ReplyDeleteNo true!
DeleteSarawak and Singapore gained theirs independrnces on July 22, 1963 and June 3, 1959, respectively
Sabah gained independence on Aug 31, 1963 and was 16 days before being rushed into forming Malaysia with three other independent nations, Malaya, Sarawak and Singapore to form as a new nation on "Malaysia Day" on Sept16, 1963.
Sabah, Sarawak & S'pore were ALL independent states of their own right before been 'conned' into joining Malaya to form M'sia!
CK, prior to Sept 16, 1963 did Sabah and Sarawak have their own constitution, Prime Minister, Cabinet, Parliament, army or navy?
DeleteWhat kind of independent nation were they? Republic?
Please ponder about the rushed into forming Malaysia & I term it "conned"!
DeleteWhat u mentioned r ALREADY in the existing system. They ONLY need adjusting & tweaking to suit the needs of the time!
Except do tell, ANY nation has her own Constitution prior to independence?
Like in US. The 4th of July was when all the 50 states plus Puerto Rico n US Virgin Islands became 1 nation.
ReplyDeleteStraight common sense.
https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2018/08/404462/jho-low-and-father-charged-embezzling-1mdb-monies
ReplyDeleteJho Low and father Larry Low are now wanted fugitives.
Unlike Jho, who completely operates outside Malaysia, the father Larry is vulnerable because he has assets and business in Malaysia.
Substantial assets , businesses and accounts could now be frozen.
He's facing Tommy Thomas now, no more lapdog Apandi.
Sit back, munch the popcorn and enjoy the show.
Sabah and Sarawak agreed to adopt the Malayan constitution in-toto in 1963, with some amendments to include the three new entities. In the case of Sabah and Sarawak some additional provisions were written, agreed and signed but were NOT part of the constitution and which are now hotly disputed. No new constitution for Malaysia was drafted, as would be expected if it were a completely new entity. So by agreeing to adopt our constitution, Sabah and Sarawak joined Malaya.
ReplyDeleteWhat do u call the Sabah's 20-point agreement, or the 20-point memorandum?
DeleteDitto Sarawak's 18-point agreement, or the 18-point memorandum?
Were they sets of hypothetical agreements?
Yup, that is a fact but some people dub it colonial (Peninsula) mentality
DeleteJust being neutral and objective folks. Debate is good, let’s keep it up.
DeleteThe 20&18 points are valid and should be pursued but the fact remains they were not included in a NEW Malaysian constitution. S&S simply adopted the Malayan constitution in toto. And just like the American flag added stars as new states were included the Malayan flag added stripes for S&S. And the Negara ku was accepted by S&S as national anthem.
But I do encourage readers to read up on the unification of East and West Germany in 1990. But in that example it was a merger of two independent countries. Due to the collapse of the Soviet Union & communism the East German parliament voted to adopt the WG constitution.
U still cannot see the con works, concocted by Tunku & pommie, to cheat Sarawak, North Borneo & S'pore!
DeleteSigh……
One more time - these three independent states joined Malaya, ad equal partners, to form a new country known as M'sia.
They were not joining Malaya as additional states to the existing 10 states!
we now celebrate both 831 n 916, so whats the argument here?
ReplyDeleteJust debating HY. KT wants to stop celebrating Aug 31 and celebrate Sept 16 only and I am presenting my view that the formation of Malaysia was not a merger of entities of equal standing. See my earlier comments.
ReplyDeleteIf we continue celebrating both dates that’s fine with me but in essence we DILUTE the meaning of both.
The 20&18 points are a separate matter which I think is valid and should be pursued and even amended/included in the national constitution. In retrospect that should have been done in 1963.
That's where the con parts came into play about including the 20&18 points.
DeleteLao Lee had a different take in that M'sia formation basically bcoz he had no confidence about tiny reddot's future development. He WAS not sure about the resilience of the Singgies due to his elitist (western) thinking then.
Joining M'sia, made a bigger country & better chance of development in his 'big picture' ambition.
He was WRONG!
& as a pragmatic politician who dares to make difficult decision, he changes course in his political voyage. The rest is history!
cf:
The terms of Singapore’s entry into Malaysia.
In accordance with the agreement, Singapore was required to abide by a number of conditions to join Malaysia. First, Singapore would retain its control on education and labour. However, defence, external affairs and internal security would come under the jurisdiction of the federal government. Second, in return for autonomy in education and labour, Singapore would have only 15 seats in the federal parliament instead of 25 seats as was entitled by the size of its electorate. Third, all Singapore citizens would retain their Singapore citizenship while automatically becoming citizens of the larger Federation. However, they could only vote in Singapore. These terms, which were agreed upon by both the Singapore and federal governments, were published in a White Paper in November 1961. The White Paper, however, did not provide details on financial and economic matters, including taxation and implementation of a common market. These details were only finalised close to the signing of the Malaysia Agreement on 9 July 1963. According to the terms of the agreement, Singapore would contribute 40 percent of its revenue to the federal government, and a common market would be set up over a period of 12 years. In addition, Singapore would provide a $150 million development loan to North Borneo and Sarawak, of which $100 million would be interest-free for five years. With the settlement of these outstanding issues, the Malaysia Agreement was ratified and the date for the formation of the Federation of Malaysia was set for 31 August 1963. However, then Malayan Prime Minister Tunku Abdul Rahman delayed the formation of the federation by about two weeks to 16 September in order to give the United Nations more time to complete its study on the sentiments of the people in the Borneo territories over the merger. The delay, however, did not stop Lee Kuan Yew, then Prime Minister of Singapore, from declaring on 31 August Singapore’s independence from British colonial rule, much to Kuala Lumpur’s chagrin.