916 brings us together as Malaysians — Gabungan Bertindak Malaysia

SEPTEMBER 14 — 51 years ago, Malaysia came into being as a result of merger with four entities - in which three are still in the Federation till today - the Federation of Malaya, Sabah and Sarawak.  

Is the nation we live in now, 51 years after the formation of Malaysia, a true reflection of the idealism that inspired our forefathers to fight for our liberty and self-determination? Are we now really an independent nation, in the real sense of the phrase? 

It is indeed ironic that in the weeks preceding Malaysia Day celebration, one after another dissenting citizens were charged with the repressive Sedition Act, a colonial legacy that we, as a sovereign and a free nation, should have discarded long ago.

The British introduced the Sedition Act as a means to suppress the opposition to their rule! 

How “Merdeka” are we today if the law that the British used to advance their colonial interests, has not only being enhanced after our independence, but also has been applied selectively?

While we condemn the use of the prosecution power against these citizens, we must also note that some quarters are allowed to come out with seemingly unlimited amount of negative rhetoric to undermine the harmonious relationship and unity among the citizens of this country.

The bigotry and hatred shown by these quarters are definitely counterproductive to the process of nation building. 

The theme for this year National Day celebration is “Malaysia, where love grows”. It is true that our nation now needs love more than ever. However, love will not grow from a situation where the message of hate and intolerance is allowed to be the loudest voice in the arena.

As a coalition of NGOs from different backgrounds, Gabungan Bertindak Malaysia (GBM) urges all the citizens of Malaysia to be part of the effort to bridge our differences – ethnically, spiritually or ideologically – and prove that diversity is strength that needs to be upheld as part and parcel of our nation building. 

In recent years there has been rising discontent, especially from our Sabah and Sarawak brothers and sisters, with the way our National Day is traditionally celebrated, that is recognising the Independence Day (Hari Merdeka) of the Federation of Malaya on 31^st August 1957 as National Day, and the anniversary counted from the year 1957.

For example, the term “57^th National Day of Malaysia” which was used for the celebration on 31^st August 2014 has come under heavy criticism from citizens aware of the historical inaccuracies of such a term. 

Thus, GBM welcomes the recent announcement by the Communication and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek that starting from next year, what we now call National Day will be changed to ‘Independence Day Aug 31’, without mentioning the anniversary year.

Although this is a step in right direction, it is certainly not enough. We would like to suggest that the term ‘National Day’ be used as another name for, and used interchangeably with ‘Malaysia Day’, as it was previously with the Merdeka Day of August 31.  

Although Article 160 of the Federal Constitution defines ‘Merdeka Day’ as 31^st August 1957, it does not give a specific definition for ‘National Day’. As such the selection of a date for National Day is a matter of administrative action, and we urge the Government to respect the history and set 16^th September as our National Day.

To Malaysia with love!

Celebrate the National Day and happy 51^st Malaysia Day!  

* This is the personal opinion of the writer or organisation and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malay Mail Online.