Lewis Wong…the wrong narrative regarding the date of Malaysia’s National Day and Independence Day as well as its establishment is too glaring.
INANAM : – Patriotism can be fostered more effectively if the people of Sabah particularly the younger generation grasp better its history with accurate facts.
Parti Warisan Inanam strong man Lewis Wong said that irrespective of political affiliation, be they in the opposition or government, if they truly grasp the facts, the truth can unite all the races, but sadly many of the facts have been distorted.
“Without the truth, many of us are confused with the facts.
“The month of August should spark patriotism where throughout the country we celebrate the National Day and the Jalur Gemilang is proudly displayed on the roadsides, shopping malls, in cars and even in the homes.
“All this reflect the people’s love for the homeland. However, in this festive atmosphere, do we really understand the history and facts of National Day?,” he asked at a community event here recently.
He said the wrong narrative regarding the date of Malaysia’s national day and Independence Day as well as its establishment is too glaring.
It’s very sad to note that some leaders have to remind us about the actual date of the celebration.
Lewis said that since childhood, the rakyat have been taught by the official narrative via the education system that August 31 is the National Day which refers to the founding day of Malaysia.
He said the official date of the National Day celebration is August 31, 1957, but that this information is not accurate because the actual founding day of Malaysia is September 16, 1963.
“Unfortunately, for a long time we have been subtly taught that it was the celebration date of the birthday of the Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sabah,” he said.
Hence he said, it is very important for the younger generation of Sabah to know the exact history pertaining to the National Day and adhere to the historical accuracy.
He said that even the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Application provides accurate facts by stating that Malaysia’s National Day is celebrated on August 31, also known as Independence Day to commemorate Malaysia’s liberation from British colonialism on 31 August, 1957.
Celebrating August 31 as an important date to remind us of the formation of Malaysia but that historical facts should neither be forgotten nor confused, he stressed.
“Historical facts clearly state that Malaysia was officially established on September 16, 1963.
To this he said that August 31, 1957 marked the independence of the Federation of Malaya and not the establishment of Malaysia.
“The Federation of Malaya consisted of 11 states at that time until 1963 when the Federation of Malaya together with British North Borneo (now Sabah), Sarawak and Singapore formed the Federation of Malaysia that we know today,” he said while adding that Singapore left Malaysia in 1965.
To this end, he said that what was celebrated in 1957 should have been the independence of the Federation of Malaya, not the establishment of Malaysia.
Therefore, he said by stating that 1957 as the year of the establishment of Malaysia or celebrating the 68th anniversary of our country’s independence is clearly inaccurate.
Therefore, Lewis urged the younger generation to seriously take the initiative to study, understand and remember the historical facts.
He said that this impertinent because the National Day is an important event of the country as it draws the people’s feelings of love and pride towards their country.
He said that in any form of celebration, accurate information on historical facts must be conveyed accurately so as to avoid confusion or unnecessary deviation.
“This year we are not celebrating the 68th anniversary of the National Day because Malaysia is only 62 years old. We must be very careful in dealing with historical facts.
“Knowing the difference in dates between August 31 and September 16 is not only a tribute to historical facts, but also recognition of the important roles of the two regions in East Malaysia in the process of nation-building.
He firmly stated that only patriotism based on a true understanding of the history and its facts can unite all races in Malaysia and together move towards a better future.
