Malaysia Day should be on a grander scale
Published on: Sunday, December 11, 2022
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Since the formation of Malaysia on Sept 16, 1963, Malaysia Day has not been celebrated in as grand a scale as National Day on Aug 31 even though both days are public holidays. This could be due to the hefty cost of organising parades, and maybe even celebration fatigue given that Malaysia Day is just 16 days after National Day.
Nevertheless, Sabahans, Sarawakians and the people of Labuan are less able to relate with National Day celebrations compared to Malaysia Day. I therefore feel it is time to give more significance to the celebration of Malaysia Day.
Never for a moment am I suggesting that National Day celebrations take a back seat, however. Next year, we will be celebrating the 60th anniversary of the formation of the Federation of Malaysia. Let 2023 be the year that our unity government makes a mega Malaysia Day parade a reality.
To project the spirit of unity, three grand Malaysia Day parades could be held separately in Kuala Lumpur, Kuching and Kota Kinabalu. The parade could feature a 300-strong cultural contingent each representing the peninsula, Sarawak and Sabah respectively.
For example, for the parade in Kota Kinabalu, a 300-strong cultural contingent from Peninsular Malaysia could join the Sarawak and Sabah contingents for the march past along with the usual participants, including the police, armed forces, government agencies, voluntary groups and marching bands. The three cultural contingents would surely highlight the beauty and colour of national unity. Last but not least, the theme of the 2023 Malaysia Day celebration must depict the unity and inclusiveness of the federation: “One heart, one soul”.
Dina Rizal Abdullah
Petaling Jaya
- The views expressed here are the views of the writer Dina Rizal Abdullah and do not necessarily reflect those of the Daily Express.
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