Did you know that today, 16 September, is the day Malaysia was formed? 42 years ago, in 1963, Malaya, Singapore (which pulled out eventually to form its own independent state), Sabah and Sarawak came together to form Malaysia.
Funny thing is we, in the Peninsula, never, ever celebrated this day... for the people in Sabah and Sarawak, this is to them their true independence day... where they became part of an independent country. Until now, the 2 states are still retain some autonomous rights such as separate immigration controls (which is why we from Peninsular Malaysia, until recently, still have to carry our passports when travelling to these 2 states and we have to apply for a work permit in order to work and reside over there...) but in every other sense we are part of the same country. Moreover, these 2 states has contributed alot to the economy of our country due to its vast natural resources. Its time we recognise the contribution of not only the people in the Peninsular but of Sabah and Sarawak as well.
I think its time we celebrate this fact, seeing that its because of this day that we are no longer Malaya but Malaysia? Anyway, as a MALAYSIAN, I am going to do my bit by remembering this special day.
Happy Malaysia Day everyone! :)
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