Hari Malaysia - 16 September 1963

I am extremely happy YAB DS Najib announced that the Cabinet had decided 16 September 1963 be commemorated as Hari Malaysia and that starting from 2010, 16 September is declared a public holiday.

The recognition is long overdue. 16 September 1963 was the date Malaysia was formed with the joining of Sabah, Sarawak and Singapore (Singapore subsequently left in 1965) into Tanah Melayu. As such, it is only right that we recognise this date apart from 31 August 2009 as our Independence Day.

I hope this announcement will bring Sabahans and Sarawakians closer to West Malaysians. This declaration should also put to rest all uneasiness or provocations that the Federal Government viewed the two states as lesser than the rest.

We are all sons and daughters of Malaysia. Let us together enjoy and celebrate the uniqueness of Malaysia.