Kids learn about the history behind the formation of the country
KUCHING: Holding the Jalur Gemilang, three young siblings listened intently as their father took them through photographs, newspaper cuttings, and documents charting the formation of Malaysia.
For father of four Fadillah Husaini, the outing gave the family an opportunity to spend quality time together while allowing the children to learn about Sarawak and the country they call home.
“I want them to know and understand the history of their state and country so that they appreciate the struggles that shaped where they come from.
“Learning about the past is also an important part of growing up,” said the 45-year-old.
He was attending the Malaysia Day 2026 Exhibition with his children, Tia Fayha, 11, twin boys Zaya and Zayd, nine, as well as four-year-old Aya Sofea.
His three older children were particularly fascinated by the old black-and-white photographs and newspaper cuttings, stopping to ask their father questions about the stories behind the exhibits.
As for Aya Sofea, she was more interested in watching the people around her.
Fadillah, who is a senior programme manager at a telecommunications infrastructure company, said he regularly takes his family to historical exhibitions.
The family had just toured the Sarawak Day exhibition in July and the recent National Day exhibition.
The Malaysia Day exhibition at Plaza Merdeka here is open from 10am to 10pm daily until Wednesday.
Jointly organised by the Information Department and the Sarawak Public Communications Unit, the exhibition showcases historical materials related to the events and developments that led to Sarawak agreeing to help form Malaysia.
It features five segments covering the timeline of the nation’s formation, key documents, committees and commissions, as well as prominent figures and national identity.
Among the documents on display at the exhibition are the Cobbold Commission Report 1962, the Inter-Governmental Committee Report 1962, Malaysia Agreement 1963, Malaysia Act 1963, and Proclamation of Malay-sia 1963.
