Four states commemorate nation’s formation

KUALA LUMPUR: Melaka may be the host of the national-level Malaysia Day celebration, but other states certainly did not want to miss out on commemorating the formation of Malaysia.

The celebration in Pahang saw Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail reminding the people of the historic achievement and sacrifices of those who fought for the country’s sovereignty.

“History needs to be remembered to keep bad influences away. Learning about history can shape character and instil patriotism,” he said at the state-level Malaysia Day celebration in Rompin.

“This will help us realise the consequences should we get embroiled in internal strife. We should live in a harmonious manner and avoid belittling, insulting and nitpicking among ourselves,” added Wan Rosdy.

In Penang, the celebration was held with Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak, his wife Toh Puan Khadijah Mohd Nor, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and state executive committee members in attendance.

Chow said the state government must always work to raise the level of tolerance and cooperation between people of different races, religions and cultures.

He added that everything that had been achieved so far was the result of the harmony and togetherness of Malaysians.

“Approaches to boost and strengthen our unity should continue to be made, and it is everyone’s duty to preserve the harmony and benefits enjoyed by Malaysians,” he said.

In Perak, it was all retro and classic as the Ipoh Social Club and Locco gathered locals, all decked in sarongs and retro outfits from the ’60s to the ’90s, to celebrate Malaysia Day at the Ipoh railway station.

Over 200 people, dressed in classic outfits, joined the Keretapi Sarong 2022 programme and walked around Ipoh distributing food to the homeless.

Some 100 fishing boats sailed along Sungai Kelubong to the Sungai Kerang Fisheries Development Authority of Malaysia (LKIM) jetty as part of the Malaysia Day celebration.

The 10km journey was joined by Bukit Gantang MP Datuk Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz Syed Abdul Fasal, who is also LKIM chairman.

In Kelantan, 150 youths participated in the Kembara Anak Merdeka motorcycle convoy organised by the Ketereh parliamentary service centre.

The convoy started the journey from Kompleks Yayasan Kemiskinan Kelantan in Kota Baru to Tok Bali in Pasir Puteh.

Ketereh Umno Youth chief Saipudin Mohamad said the gathering was aimed at showing youth togetherness in commemorating the auspicious day.

Meanwhile, many movie fans reacted positively to the news that local blockbuster film Mat Kilau: Kebangkitan Pahlawan was streaming online on Netflix in conjunction with Malaysia Day. — Bernama