GEORGE TOWN: For Fadzilla Bosman, Malaysia Day is more than just another date on the calendar.
“It is a reminder of the day Sabah and Sarawak became part of Malaysia.
“Being Malaysian is about enjoying both west and east Malaysia. I feel like I belong to both equally,” said the Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) admissions department head.
Born and raised in Sarawak, Fadzilla has lived in Penang for the past 25 years where she has built her career and life.
Yet, she still flies home frequently to visit her father and family.
“I enjoy the commute as it is a short flight. It gives me the opportunity to have the best of both worlds.”
Fadzilla, 45, said that celebrating Malaysia Day feels like an extra National Day.
“It gives us another reason to celebrate together each year,” she said.
Fadzilla was among the participants who took part in USM’s Malaysia Day celebration yesterday.
The participants, comprising academic staff, administrative staff and other university personnel, walked around the campus while waving flags and singing patriotic songs.
A Jalur Gemilang made of egg cartons was among the creative props prepared by administration officer Muhamad Fikri Ali Yasah, 40, and his contingent.
Muhamad Fikri said they spent several days preparing the props.
“We enjoyed ourselves and worked together to come up with these ideas,” he added.
He said the walk was a first for the university’s Malaysia Day celebration, which previously featured singing competitions.
“It was nice to see everyone waving the flags and singing patriotic songs,” he said.
Administration assistant P. Gaitiri, 39, said the event also heightened her patriotic spirit.
“We all wore different outfits while waving our Jalur Gemilang. My contingent decided to wear traditional costumes.”
“Events like these bring us all together as we formed a team to come up with our theme,” she said.
Computer sciences Assoc Prof Chan Huah Yong, 58, described the event as a team-building activity.
“It is my first time participating in something like this and I enjoyed it because it united us as a university and a team.”
“We designed our T-shirts as a team, met colleagues from other faculties, sang and had a fun walk,” he said.
USM registrar and event organising chairman Mohd Azizudin Mohd Shariff said the activity aimed to bring staff members together to mark Malaysia Day.
He said 32 departments took part in the parade around the campus.
USM vice-chancellor Datuk Seri Dr Abdul Rahman Mohamed said the event promoted patriotism, togetherness and love for the country while encouraging staff to lead healthy and active lifestyles.
