Sabah CM grateful Malaysia Day has become more significant

 By Olivia Miwil - September 16, 2021 @ 10:36pm

Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor speaks during the Malaysia Day celebration at Sabah International Convention Centre. -NSTP/MOHD ADAM ARININ

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor has expressed his appreciation over the greater significance given to the Malaysia Day celebration.

He said that Sept 16, 1963, was a historic event for the country following the declaration of Malaysia's formation.

"For the past few decades after the formation of Malaysia, some had thought the focus was only given to Aug 31 as the National Independence Day while Sept 16 was celebrated as the closing of Independence month.

"Based on that situation, Malaysians in Sabah and Sarawak had voiced out that the Sept 16 should be placed at the appropriate place and position as it is the right date on the formation of a sovereign country," he said.

Hajiji said with the acknowledgement of Malaysia Day as a national public holiday since 2009, it had led to significant historic changes.

"We are confident it is not just a cosmetic change from the aspect of celebration alone, but the value and meaning are big enough for us in moving forward and building a more glorious future for the people and our beloved country of Malaysia.

"The formation of Malaysia has brought many blessings and benefits to various layers of the people throughout the country. This fight will not stop as long as we have unity among leaders and the people," he said.

The celebration was attended by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, Yang diPertua Negeri Tun Juhar Mahiruddin, Hajiji and his deputy Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin, Sarawak Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan and Communication and Multimedia Minister Tan Sri Annuar Musa.