Malaysia Day commemorates the coming together of three distinct regions — Malaya, Sarawak and Sabah — each with its own cultural identity, worldview, and way of life, former prime minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said.
Ismail said that while Sabah, Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia differ in many respects, Malaysia Day serves as a powerful reminder of the shared commitment to unity.
“Malaysia Day is a day to come together — to foster a culture of unity between the different races, ethnicities and cultures,” he told FMT.
Ismail, whose administration championed the “Keluarga Malaysia” initiative, called for this idea of unity in diversity to be instilled in the younger generation.
“This sentiment must be nurtured from a young age so that as our children grow, they will not perceive the existence of a divide separating the three regions.”
He said the 2010 decision to declare Malaysia Day a national holiday gave formal recognition to its significance, adding that it must be regarded as being equal in significance as Merdeka Day.
“Aug 31, 1957 was when we achieved independence from the British, while the formation of Malaysia represents the liberation of Sabah and Sarawak.”
The country’s ninth prime minister however lamented that despite unification as one nation, gaps still exist between Peninsular and East Malaysia.
There are still many dilapidated schools in East Malaysia, and fewer health clinics compared to the peninsula, he said.
“In terms of infrastructure there is a huge gap between Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah and Sarawak,” he said.
“That’s why, during my tenure as prime minister, we set up a dedicated committee to address these issues.”
Ismail, who previously chaired the special council on the Malaysia Agreement 1963, also highlighted that during his term in office, the Federal Constitution was amended to formally elevate the status of Sabah and Sarawak within the federation.
The amendment accorded Sabah and Sarawak the status of distinct regions within Malaysia, formally restoring their recognition beyond that of ordinary states in the federation.
Ismail said the initiatives undertaken by his administration to close the gap between Peninsular and East Malaysia, were aimed at achieving one particular goal.
“We want Malaysians, especially those in the peninsula, to realise how important Sabah and Sarawak is to Malaysia.”
