Abdul Kahar Achok, 44
Sabahan of Bugis descent, tuition teacher
I do hope the government will hold the main Malaysia Day celebration in Sabah in future. When the main celebration is held elsewhere, Sabahans organise their own celebration and have fireworks. In celebrating the occasion, we should put aside our differences and create a harmonious community together. As a Sabahan, I find that it’s easy for me to fit in in Peninsular Malaysia. However, those who move from here to Sabah will have to learn the local language for daily use, but do not worry, the locals are friendly.
Hakimi Yusmadi Erwandi, 18
Sarawakian, retail salesperson
My family moved to Selangor when I was an infant, so I grew up here. My friends would ask me about the word “kitak”, and they were always surprised that the word meant “me” instead of “us” as it does in Malay. I would represent Malaysia in a heartbeat if I had the chance. Regardless of our origins, we are all Malaysians and I believe we can all progress together.
Sufiyanie Soffian, 24
Sarawakian, social media executive
In the five years of living in Kuala Lumpur, I always get noticed as a Sarawakian; people are interested in my origins. To me, Malaysia Day represents me as a Malaysian. It is a day of celebrating the richness of cultures that makes Malaysia what it is. Sarawak is a developing state but we have big cities too such as Kuching, Miri, Sibu and Bintulu. To me, this is no longer an era where we get irritated at differences, we should embrace them.
Lawrence Leong Wan Onn, 45
Kuala Lumpur, e-hailing driver
We must accept the differences of all ethnic groups, and over the years our cultures have merged. In my opinion, Sabahans and Sarawakians are down-to-earth and they do not overthink in matters of race. We in Peninsular Malaysia like to overthink a situation and individuals will get defensive about preserving their own culture. During my childhood, I lived in an apartment and mixed with everyone in the building. It is simple --- we should treat our fellow Malaysians as our own family. Harmony means a pleasant musical sound consisting of different notes played or sung together, hence we will only have harmony when we accept our differences.
Divya Shree Richard Gomez, 18
Selangor-born, student
Personally, I do not think there is much difference between peninsular states and Sabah and Sarawak, other than that there are more ethnic groups in the latter two states. Even with multiple ethnicities and religions there, they are more united. Tolerance and understanding of one another are necessary to exist together and avoid unnecessary issues. The younger generations should be educated on equality and be provided opportunities equally.
Chin Kim Moy, 65
Selangor-born, retired cultural executive
It’s been ingrained in my mind since primary school that Sabah and Sarawak are part of the country. I have seen Sabahans in my area, but they seem shy and reserved. As for Sarawak, I am amazed by the big state. As Malaysians, we must strive to understand one another better, put aside our differences and come together as a nation. Foremost, we are all human beings, we must learn how to live together and depend on one another.
Emyrull Iman Azami, 23
Selangorian, fresh graduate currently working as food delivery rider
In my eyes, Malaysians in Sabah and Sarawak are united and their cultures are well preserved. I think our nation is stronger with Sabah and Sarawak because a lot of our main natural resources come from there and they have helped in the development and progress of the Malaysia we see today. I can see some people in the peninsula are hesitant to talk to those from Sabah or Sarawak, maybe because of inability to understand their accent, resulting in them avoiding interactions completely even though we are all Malaysians. We need to look beyond the differences. During Malaysia Day events, invite Sabahans and Sarawakians to join in and show our unity. The government should organise more events that highlight cultures of Sabah and Sarawak.
Jagdave Singh, 53
Selangor-born, school principal
Malaysia Day is at the heart of our National Unity policy as it focuses on embracing diversity for nation-building. In my opinion, Sabah and Sarawak are the best models for national integration and Malaysia Day should be accorded a high level of respect and recognition and celebrated on a scale that it deserves as the starting point of a new era in nation-building. I believe that deep in our hearts, we have always been Malaysian first. I have visited Sabah and Sarawak and have many friends from there. With globalisation, we are now closer than ever, especially over social media. It is important for all of us to embrace the unique religious and cultural diversity of our Malaysian family in Sabah and Sarawak. If you can afford to travel, do visit the amazing paradise in those two states, to have a first-hand experience of their multicultural lifestyles. As a principal, I have always worked to eliminate prejudice in school among teachers and students. The cultures and food from Sabah and Sarawak are always showcased during events at my school. Umai and Laksa Sarawak are my favourite dishes. We should work harder to truly celebrate and appreciate our unified Malaysia.
Kasiyati Karjuni, 58
Sabahan, salesperson
I have been living in Selangor for more than 20 years. I discovered that the marang fruit, which is common in Sabah, is not available here, although I have heard of someone who took the seedlings from Sabah and planted two marang trees in Muar, Johor. In my view, wages are an issue. I think with better salary offers, more Sabahans and Sarawakians will come here to work and that will make it possible for us to be not so dependent on foreign workers. Our people can coexist with one another; I personally have never come across social issues in my time living here. If we have good intentions, we will be fine.
Angelina Wong, 21
Of Sino-Dusun and Chinese-Indian parentage, student
During my time in the Klang Valley, I appreciate the city vibe. Although my hometown of Ranau in Sabah is considered a city, there is a significant difference from cities in the peninsula. The Sabahan culture is different too. I believe that organising school trips for students from the peninsula to Sabah and Sarawak and vice versa will introduce the cultures to one another as well as encourage the younger generations to open their minds and expand their horizons. Sabah and Sarawak make Malaysia stronger because we can benefit from each other, such as the availability of natural resources. I encourage people to learn and appreciate the beauty of other cultures. Malaysia Day is a day for us to realise how important it is for us to live a united life together.
Thinesen Santhiragasan, 22
Kedahan, fresh graduate
As a Malaysian, I love that Sabah and Sarawak truly bring a variety of cultures, which adds more flavour to our multicultural nation. For me, the more the merrier. Teachers should educate students about the cultures in Sabah and Sarawak, so that the younger generations will have a good grasp of the cultures that exist in Malaysia. We should stop hating and being prejudiced. Be kind to one another and we can progress further than any other country.
Elsie Joyce Joel, 23
Kadazan working in the creative industry
We love our local products and will go to great lengths to bring them to the peninsula from Sabah. I think Sabahans are more relaxed and warm, we can be instantly welcoming even to people we’ve just met. More exposure to Sabahan and Sarawakian cultures through films and the performing arts as well as inclusion of artists from the two states would help the nation grow closer together. It is wonderful to share culture not just from a single perspective but from everyone. I take pride in my heritage and I am proud to be Malaysian.
Anis Suraya Abdul Nasir, 23
Selangor, sales and administration assistant
Malaysia Day needs to be commemorated with more grandeur since it gives recognition to Sabah and Sarawak joining us to form a new country. We are fortunate that Malaysia exists and the day is to remind us that we are from different backgrounds but living harmoniously together. We should have student exchange programmes that would enable the younger generation of Malaysians to learn and appreciate the numerous cultures of people in the country. We should highlight the variety of ethnicities, cultures and heritage of Sabah and Sarawak rather than focusing only on the three main races in Peninsular Malaysia. It is important to understand that with multi-cultures should come multi-mentality and that if we understand well along with unbiased lens the cultures that we are born into, then we will be able to appreciate other cultures without being ethnocentric.
Julia Tan Wan Er, 23
Selangor-born, social media manager
We should be aware of the reason why we are celebrating this memorable day, especially the younger generations. I find the cultures and traditions of Sabahans and Sarawakians incredibly beautiful. The scenery in Sabah and Sarawak attracts more foreign travellers and that helps us build a stronger economy. I think the Rainforest World Music Festival in Sarawak can attract youngsters and be used to raise their awareness of the cultures in those states. Also, with the Internet, it is much easier now to spread positive messages about the formation of Malaysia. Most importantly, as Malaysians, we must help each other regardless of background and ethnicity, besides supporting local brands. Every small step counts. Making changes is hard, but it will be easier if we have a stronger bond with each other.
Edna Kawili, 45
A Bajau, works in a mall in Selangor
It should be seen as a uniting symbol for Malaysia, as it is the day Sabah, Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia agreed to form a nation together. Those in the peninsula can look to Sabah and Sarawak as examples of unity among different cultures and ethnicities which number more in the two states than the races here. Celebrating Malaysia Day will also show tourists our country’s unity. One of the things new to me when I came to the peninsula 22 years ago was the many mamak and roadside stalls, which were not a common sight in Sabah.
