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I REFER to the interview with Prof Ranjit Singh and Prof Danny Wong (by Mary Chin and James Sarda). Prof Ranjit Singh suggested there should be a compromise with regards to Independence Day and Malaysia Day.

He suggested 31st August, 1957 as Independence Day (Merdeka Day) and 16th Sept. as Malaysia Day (National Day). While Malaysia Day on the 16th Sept (1963) is correct, Independence Day has to be qualified.

Independence Day while falling on a common date, that is, 31st Aug., happened on different years for Malaya (1957); and Sabah and Sarawak (1963).

It is correct to say that on 31st Aug. 1957 Tunku Abdul Rahman shouted "Merdeka!" three times but only for The Federation of Malaya and not for Sabah and Sarawak or Malaysia.

Sabah and Sarawak obtained their independence only on 31st Aug. 1963 and the Shouts of "Merdeka!" were done respectively, by Tun Datu Hj. Mustapha bin Datu Harun for Sabah and Tun Pengiran Abang Hj Openg for Sarawak.

These independent nations then formed Malaysia together with Singapore only on 16th Sept. 1963.

Singapore withdrew in 1965.

Therefore, Independence Day is to be celebrated jointly by Malaya, Sabah and Sarawak on the 31st Aug. and Malaysia Day (National Day or Hari Kebangsaan) on the 16th September.

This year, 2012, Malaya would be celebrating its 55th year of Independence while Sabah and Sarawak their 49th. Malaysia would be celebrating its 49th birthday in 2012.

It is not correct to quote the case of USA as a parallel to Malaysia.

USA where independence is on every July 4 never changed its status when other states joined the Union.

Whereas Malaysia is a new country consisting of Federation of Malaya, Singapore (till 1965), Sabah and Sarawak.

As it stands today, Sabah is no longer an equal partner to the Federation of Malaya as a an entity but as equal partner to each and every State in the Federation of Malaya.

Was that what was intended and agreed upon?