Day: September 16, 2022

MELAKA, Sept 16 (Bernama) — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob today reiterated the assurance that the rights of Sabah and Sarawak as enshrined in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 will always be protected.

Ismail Sabri, who is also the Chairman of the Special Council on MA63, said the council not only played a role in unravelling some pending issues regarding the rights and status of Sabah and Sarawak, but also emphasised efforts to develop the two states.

“At the Malaysia Day celebration last year, the federal government has given assurance to pay close attention to issues related to the interests of Sabah and Sarawak.

“Just like a Malay idiom “bersukat sama paras, bertimbang sama berat, (given equal standing, as well as entitled to equitable sharing), the government wants to see Sabah and Sarawak enjoy rapid development just like other states in the peninsula.

“The government is also committed to eliminating the development gap and this was proven by the allocation of RM5.6 billion given to Sabah and RM4 billion to Sarawak this year to carry out development projects such as to provide water supply, electricity, roads, as well as health and education infrastructures,” he said at the national-level Malaysia Day celebration at the Independence Declaration Memorial Square in Banda Hilir here tonight.

The Prime Minister said the Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2021 relating to the MA63 which was passed with a two-thirds majority voice in Parliament on Dec 14 last year, was also proof of the government’s seriousness to strengthen the status of Sabah and Sarawak in the Federation of Malaysia.

He said that was also in line with the government’s transformation agenda to restore the confidence of the public, as well as that of foreign investors, in the government’s capability to ensure political stability and national policies towards sustainable socioeconomic development.

In his speech, Ismail Sabri also reiterated the history of the formation of Malaysia which was first mooted by Malaysia’s first Prime Minister Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj at the Conference of Foreign Correspondents Association of Southeast Asia in Singapore on May 27, 1961.

Acknowledging the difficult process to form Malaysia, he said all the challenges proved that there were no shortcuts in creating a nation-state based on parliamentary democracy and constitutional monarchy because it required a high-level understanding and patience.

“History proves that it was not easy to form Malaysia, to build understanding and reach a consensus among the Malay states, Sabah and Sarawak, as well as Singapore.

“The resistance that was present at that time was both internal and external, including communist insurgency, the confrontation against the formation of Malaysia, economic challenges, as well as religious, racial, cultural and linguistic conflicts.

“Nevertheless, we made it through, thanks to the determination and wisdom of our previous leaders,” he said.

The Prime Minister said Tunku Abdul Rahman, Tun Mohammad Fuad Stephens, Tun Datu Mustapha Datu Harun, Tun Abang Haji Openg Abang Sapiee, Tun Jugah Anak Barieng and Tan Sri Abang Abu Bakar Abang Mustapha were among those who had brought success to the negotiation of the formation of Malaysia and the prosperity enjoyed by the people today.

“As a multi-racial and multi-religious country, Malaysia Day must always be a celebration that reminds the entire Malaysian Family of the importance of consensus and social cohesion based on national integration.

“The sacred date of Sept 16 must be taken as a starting point to enhance our spirit and determination in finding our similarities. We are living in the same country, under the same sky, hence our loyalty should always be to the King and Country,” he added.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency

MELAKA, Sept 16 (Bernama) — The book on the Proclamation of Malaysia, symbolic of the Malaysia Day celebration, was signed for the first time in the Peninsula during this year’s edition here today.

The Independence Declaration Memorial Square in Banda Hilir here tonight witnessed the symbolic signing ceremony of the document by representatives of the Federal, Sabah and Sarawak governments.

The book was signed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan and Sabah Deputy Chief Minister 11 Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey G. Kitingan,  witnessed by the Yang Dipertua Negeri of Melaka Tun Mohd Ali Mohd Rustam in front of a crowd of thousands.

Earlier, during the start of the ceremony, the book was brought to the main stage by four ethnic groups representing the communities in Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak in addition to being accompanied by members of Keluarga Malaysia (Malaysian Family) of various races.

The ceremony is observed every time Malaysia Day is celebrated as a symbolic and commemorative history of the formation of Malaysia as a result of the merger of Malaya, Sabah and Sarawak on Sept 16, 1963.

The book was introduced in 2010 and contains a compilation of documents signed by representatives of the Federal, Sabah and Sarawak governments in previous Malaysia Day celebrations, after which it is kept at the Sabah State Archives Department.

Uniquely, the cover of the book is decorated and wrapped in woven motifs with local ethnic patterns from Sarawak, Sabah and the Peninsula which are gold-plated and neatly stored in a special box made of teak wood, making its total weight almost 25 kilogrammes.

The Proclamation of Malaysia book was first signed by the country’s first prime minister and Father of Independence Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al Haj on Sept 16, 1963.

The declaration of Malaysia document is about the formation of Malaysia, and among others, it states that Malaysia remains a democratic country that is independent and sovereign with freedom and justice as its foundation, in addition to ensuring peace is always defended and preserved.

The first document, made of goat’s skin measuring 70 centimetres long and 50 cm wide, is now kept in the National Archives.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency

BINTULU, Sept 16 (Bernama) — The state-level Malaysia Day Celebration here received an overwhelming response, exceeding the initial set target of 5,000 visitors.

In his speech, Sarawak Minister for Modernisation of Agriculture and Regional Development, Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom, who is also the minister responsible for the celebration, said more than 10,000 guests attended the event held at the grounds of the old airport here.

 The crowd, which arrived as early as 5 pm, displayed the spirit of Keluarga Malaysia (Malaysian Family) to fill up the celebration tents as well as around the vicinity.

Despite some not being able to watch what was happening on the main stage, they waited patiently until the end of the celebration.

Themed ‘Keluarga Malaysia Teguh Bersama’ (Malaysian Family Strong Together), the colourful and enchanting celebration also featured energetic stage performances by popular Malaysian artistes as well as cultural groups.

 Among the highlights of tonight’s celebration were performances by popular artistes such as Datuk M. Nasir, Andi Bernadee (Sabah), Ramles Walter, Florence Lo, Claudia Geres, Safar Ghafar, Sazia Selir and Max Kueh.

Sarawak Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud and his wife, Toh Puan Raghad Kurdi Taib were the guests of honour.

Also present were Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, his wife Puan Sri Juma’ani Tun Tuanku Bujang and other dignitaries.

The lively celebration culminated with a rhythmic fireworks display.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency

MELAKA, Sept 16 (Bernama) — Sarawak and Sabah, who together with Malaya, established Malaysia, are determined to remain in Malaysia and ensure continued development together.

Sarawak premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said Sarawak would continue to hold fast to the vow to be together in Malaysia and develop based on the terms enshrined in the Federal Constitution, the Malaysia Agreement 1963 and the Inter-governmental Committee Report (IGC).

He said Malaysia Day is a very important historical moment that is celebrated together to honour the struggle of past leaders and the people, who overcame various challenges to achieve their desire to be a free, sovereign and united country.

“Armed with nationalistic spirit and patriotism, Sarawakians of various ethnicities, religions and social backgrounds, will surely hold the theme of this year’s Malaysia Day, Keluarga Malaysia, Teguh Bersama, in high regard.

“I believe the theme will complement the role and contributions of Malaysians, especially the youth, who will ensure the continued development of our country,” he said in a video of his speech that was broadcast during the Malaysia Day 2022 celebrations at the Independence Proclamation Memorial Square, Banda Hilir here tonight.

Also, Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, said in his broadcasted speech that Sept 16 was a meaningful day for all Malaysians as they celebrate the founding of their country.

He said the spirit of independence enjoyed today was the continuation of the generation who came before, something that ran through the hearts of all Malaysians.

“The theme Keluarga Malaysia Teguh Bersama clearly states that the Malaysian Family emphasises on the unity of the multiracial and multi-religious society in Sabah that live in harmony, united in peace, togetherness and gratitude, while Teguh Bersama conveys the strength and unity achieved collectively and sustainably,” he said.

For the first time in history, Malaysia Day celebrations are being held in the Peninsula, with Melaka being the host.

Meanwhile, Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Sulaiman Md Ali said the people of the state were honoured to be chosen as hosts for the celebrations, adding that it showed the federal government’s confidence of the multicultural values of the state.

“We in Melaka have always practised an open and pragmatic policy towards race and religion, which has strengthened national integration relations.

“In fact, these practices began since the days of the Melaka Malay Sultanate, he said in his video broadcast.

Sulaiman added that Melaka’s selection as host also gave it a chance to strengthen its domestic tourism sector.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency

MELAKA, Sept 16 (Bernama) — The Malaysia Day 2022 celebration held at the Independence Declaration Memorial Square in Banda Hilir here, also raised Sarawak’s traditional music to a higher level.

The ‘Land of the Hornbills’ singer and sape (a traditional lute) player, Alena Murang, 33, said the sape music presentation at the celebration was her best staging to spread the traditional music of Borneo and the Dayak language so that it is better known in the country.

“I performed a song titled ‘Meno’ in the Kenyah language or ‘Rindu’ in Malay. This song is often sung by our elders when they are away from their families because they travel for months to other places,” she told Bernama.

Alena, who began learning the sape when she was 11, said the song ‘Meno’ was given a new lease of life when it was composed in a contemporary way with the accompaniment of the acoustic and bass guitars.

Tutored in the traditional instrument by sape master Mathew Ngau Jau, the University of Manchester business management degree holder said that once upon a time women were forbidden to touch or learn the sape because it was said to be only for men.

Alena said at that time, the sape was used during ritual and healing ceremonies where the players would play the musical instrument if there was a sick family member or resident, however, in line with the passage of time, women also played the sape for entertainment.

“When I first started learning (the sape) in 2000, no women, especially from my generation who was interested in learning this traditional musical instrument. I was attracted to playing the sape when I studied dance with my cousin when staying in Kuching,” said Alena, who is now staying in Kuala Lumpur.

Last year, Alena, who is from the Kelabit tribe, made the country proud when her music video titled ‘Warrior Spirit’, has garnered the Best Asia & Pacific Music Video and Honourable Mention for Best Costume awards at the recent International Music Video Awards in the United Kingdom.

‘Warrior Spirit’ was also the official choice of the jury at the New York International Film Awards in addition to being selected to the semi-final stage for best film of the Los Angeles Film Awards 2021.

The music video, launched in May last year, was directed by Alena’s cousin, Sarah Lois Dorai and produced by production company Project Room.

The Malaysia Day celebration, being held in Peninsular Malaysia for the first time, was attended by 20,000 visitors, this time also featured its own uniqueness through the 1950s and 1960s fashion theme.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency

MELAKA, Sept 16 (Bernama) — There was an air of nostalgia at the Proclamation of Independence Memorial as guests of honour and thousands of visitors dressed in attire from the 1950s and 60s packed the national-level Malaysia Day 2022 celebration here tonight.

Against the backdrop of the memorial building where the country’s first prime minister Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj first announced that the Federation of Malaya would achieve independence, more than 20,000 visitors began thronging the site from as early as 4 pm to celebrate the event held for the first time in the Peninsula.

The purpose of the event – which had been held in Sabah and Sarawak prior to this – however, was still the same, that is to commemorate the agreement of the Federation of Malaya, Sarawak and Sabah to form Malaysia together on Sept 16, 1963.

The celebration kicked off with Vespa motorcycles – synonymous with the 1950s and 60s – roaring along Jalan Parameswara, followed by a parade of old bicycles and guests of honour riding in decorated rickshaws dressed in costumes from the era to the main tent.

The entourage that brought the Yang Dipertua Negeri Melaka Tun Mohd Ali Rustam, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Sulaiman Md Ali, Sabah Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Dr Jeffrey Kitingan, Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan and Minister of Communications and Multimedia Tan Sri Annuar Musa was accompanied by evergreen songs from the era as well as bagpipe music played by SK Henry Gurney staff.

Veteran actor, Shaharuddin Thamby, who played Datuk Bahaman in the historical epic ‘Mat Kilau: The Rise of a Hero’, then aroused the patriotic spirit of the audience through a monologue which narrated the involvement of figures behind the formation of Malaysia, accompanied by performances and visuals.

The event then continued with the Nationality segment with the singing of the National Anthem and the raising of the Jalur Gemilang by members of the Royal Malaysian Navy.

The Rukun Negara – established to strengthen unity among the country’s various communities after the racial riots on May 13, 1969 – was then chanted by Melaka state cultural and teacher figure, Abd Rani Embi, accompanied by 14 individuals representing the diversity of races in Malaysia, namely Malays, Chinese, Indians, Baba and Nyonya, Sikh, Chetti, Portuguese, Orang Asli as well as Sabah and Sarawak ethnic groups.

Recorded speeches from Annuar, Sulaiman, Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg were then played before the address by the Prime Minister, who then launched the celebration.

The celebration continued with the signing of the Proclamation of Malaysia, decorated and wrapped in woven motifs with local ethnic patterns from Sarawak, Sabah and the Peninsula which are gold-plated and neatly stored in a special box made of teak wood, which is kept at the Sabah State Archives Department.

The special book weighing 25kg was brought on stage by Sabah Archive staff, and signed by Jeffrey representing the Chief Minister of Sabah, Awang Tengah representing the Sarawak Premier, and Ismail Sabri.

Flutes and martial arts drums once again rocked the atmosphere in a special performance combining teams from various martial art disciplines followed by the poem ‘Perjuangan’ read by Shaharuddin.

Reviving the nostalgia of the first declaration of national independence at the historic site on February 20, 1956, the diorama was set up to depict Tunku Abdul Rahman entering with his antique car and entourage to the main stage.

The audience was then taken across to Borneo with a presentation depicting Datu Mat Salleh riding a horse, leading his troops against the invaders with a monologue, apart from visuals showing the history of the formation of Malaysia in the Land Below the Wind and Sabah heroes such as Antanom, Tun Datu Mustapha Haron dan Tun Fuad Stephens.

Singer and ‘sape’ (musical instrument) player, Alena Murang, amazed the audience with her melodious voice when she sang a traditional Kenyah ethnic song entitled Meno’ (longing) composed with a contemporary rhythm, right after a performance depicting Sarawak hero Rentap, backdropped with visuals showing Sarawak’s development and the struggles of Rentap, Sharif Masahor, Rosli Dhobi, Temenggung Jugah and Kanang Anak Langkau.

Singer Datuk Nash then sang the song ‘Seruan’ accompanied by a pantomime showing the struggles of security personnel to fight for the country’s independence, invoking the spirit of heroism among the audience through the ‘Titiwangsa Rakyat’ medley in the ‘Teguh Banjaran Titiwangsa’ segment.

The segment also featured performances of songs such as ‘Bah Bola’ by Sali Bahbola and Gombak Orang Asli; ‘Warisan’ (by Kenny Lee and the Melaka Historic City Council), ‘Kurik Kundi’ (by Nadhiya Zaini and the Melaka Art Brigade), as well as a ‘dikir barat’ performance by the Arjunasukma Academy.

To close the celebration, the song ‘Keluarga Malaysia Teguh Bersama’ written by Annuar was played, accompanied by the waving of the Jalur Gemilang by cultural artists from the National Department of Culture and Arts and attendees, as well as a fireworks display.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency