Malaysia Day mirrors concept of ‘Malaysia’

Shah Alam: The participation of Malaysians from different cultures, religions and race in the celebrations for Malaysia Day on Sept 16 mirrors the concept of ‘Malaysia’.

Deputy director of the Academy of Malay Studies, Universiti Malaya, associate professor Dr Awang Azman Awang Pawi said the people should celebrate Malaysia Day so that they will always remember the country’s history which led to its ‘birth’.

“Malaysians must celebrate Malaysia Day so that we will continue to remember the country’s political, socio-economic and social history.

“It is important that the concept of the Federation which is at the core of this nation is remembered so that there is no nation-within-a-nation, narrow-mindedness or extreme ethnocentricity or ethnic nationalism does not arise and threaten our country,” he told Bernama.

Awang Azman who is also a socio-political analyst, said without the Malaysia Day celebrations, the people in this country will be less aware of the history of Malaysia.

Awang Azman said the formation of Malaysia is historic as it was the yardstick for the changes in the country.

He said Malaysia Day should be significant to all Malaysians regardless of whether they are from the Peninsular, Sabah or Sarawak.

It was through the formation of Malaysia that the leaders and the people of all three areas agreed to live together as one nation and race.

“Without the celebrations of Malaysia Day, many people would be less aware of the importance of that day in the history of the country, which must always be remembered,” he said.

BERNAMA