PETALING JAYA: For some Malaysians, Sept 16 carries double significance as it marks the formation of the Malaysian federation and also their own birthday.
For Ammy Sunneetha, or Peggy as she is affectionately known, Sept 16 has always been more than just her birthday.
Born on Malaysia Day in 1995, Ammy, from Kuala Lumpur, turns 31 this year, and her family is marking the occasion by celebrating her birthday while paying tribute to the country’s history.
Her mother Anita Sanie, 54, said she felt blessed that her daughter was born on a date that holds special meaning for the nation.
“Every year, our family has twice the reason to celebrate.
“We celebrate Ammy’s life and the gift of having her, while joining all Malaysians in celebrating unity and history,” she said.
She said Sept 16 had become a day that represented gratitude, love, family and national pride for them.
Although Malaysia Day had not yet been declared a nationwide public holiday when Ammy was born, the family made it a tradition to celebrate the two occasions together.
One of the family’s most memorable Malaysia Day celebrations came when Ammy participated in a national day parade wearing traditional Kadazan-Dusun attire.
Her mother said the occasion was particularly meaningful as Ammy was celebrating her birthday while also taking part in an event that brought Malaysians together.
Adding to the memory was footage of Ammy marching in an official video for the national anthem, Negaraku.
“Even today, whenever we watch that video, it brings back fond memories of her proudly representing our heritage,” she said.
Anita noted that living in Peninsular Malaysia for the past 32 years had also strengthened the family’s determination to preserve their Kadazan-Dusun heritage.
She said Ammy had embraced her Sabahan roots and was now actively involved in promoting the culture.
Ammy is a committee member of the Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association (KDCA) and is also involved in a company that organises cultural projects related to Borneo.
“For me, culture is far more than putting on traditional attire or cooking traditional dishes for an occasion; it is knowing where we come from and living those values every day,” Anita said.
She hoped Ammy’s involvement would inspire other young Sabahans living in Peninsular Malaysia to remain connected to their roots.
“Seeing my daughter actively protect, promote and carry our heritage forward is something I treasure,” she said.
