KOTA KINABALU: Groups should stop confusing the people about the correct date of Malaysia’s independence.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Yahya Hussin said that groups arguing whether Aug 31 or Sept 16 should be celebrated as National Day were motivated by selfishness.
Yahya said Malaysia’s founding fathers had agreed that Aug 31 be Merdeka Day and that Malaysia’s formation be celebrated on Sept 16.
“I think that should be enough.
“There is no need to further confuse the people,” he told reporters when announcing details of the state-level Malaysia Day celebrations here.
Sabah and Sarawak joined the federation on Sept 16, 1963, after gaining independence from the British on Aug 31 the same year while Malaya gained its independence on Aug 31, 1957.
On the National Day celebrations, he said Yang di-Pertua Negri Tun Juhar Mahiruddin, Chief Minister Datuk Musa Aman and other state leaders were scheduled to attend a parade of 170 contingents at Padang Merdeka.
There would also be a Malam Malaysia or Malaysia Night at Padang Merdeka from 7pm.
The night programme would involve a Jalur Gemilang procession, a flag-raising ceremony, cultural performances, a fireworks display and entertainment by singers.
Local artiste Jo-Anne Sue Henly Rampas and Sabah’s popular master of ceremonies Abu Bakar Ellah and singers, including Adam of Akademi Fantasia Season 2 and Mentor 2011 winner Salmah, would be taking part.
