Dilutes the importance of September 16
Published on: Sun, Aug 03, 2025 Text Size: September 16 is history. September 15 is not. To the people outside Sabah and Sarawak, they may get confused about which day was it that Sabah and Sarawak became part of Malaysia. The DE carried a front page report on July 25 which read that Sabah leaders were not amused as businesses fume with regards to the additional holiday on the eve of Malaysia Day on 16 September. Aside from how the business community feels, in my opinion this declaration of a public holiday on September 15 has done a great injustice to Sabah and Sarawak. Simply put, it has diluted the significance of September 16 and its meaning to the people of Sabah and Sarawak. September 16 is history. September 15 is not. To the people outside Sabah and Sarawak, they may get confused about which day was it that Sabah and Sarawak became part of Malaysia. History buffs will not be confused but what about our fellow Malaysians who do not have an inkling about the formation of Malaysia as it is not even included in school history books except in passing? Now with this declaration of September 15 being a public holiday, can you blame people for thinking that Malaysia Day is celebrated over two days? Let's be honest about this. Declaring a public holiday on September 15 is a benefit to those in Malaya who want to 'Balik Kampong' because September 15 falls on a Monday. That gives you a break from Saturday 13th - Tuesday 16th. Enough time for thousands in Malaya to 'Balik Kampong' and enjoy themselves. But what about us in Sabah and Sarawak ? You have just diluted a sacred day, a day in history to mark the birth of Malaysia to just another day in the September calendar of events! This isn't right. It never will be. You don't declare August 30 a public holiday but you do so on September 15? Why? Rupert Augustin The views expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of the Daily Express. If you have something to share, write to us at: [email protected]
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