School History books in Malaysia must include an accurate account of the formation of Malaysia in 1963, according to the Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP).
The Youth vice chief of SAPP, Yong Yit Jee, stated that the current history syllabus fails to prioritize the independence of Sabah and Sarawak in 1963 and their subsequent entry into the formation of Malaysia, instead emphasizing Malaysia’s independence on August 31, 1957.
Yong, who is a member of SAPP’s supreme council, believes that the History syllabus should incorporate an accurate and factual account of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
He highlighted that the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS)-led state government has decided to officially celebrate Sabah Day on August 31 for the first time.
Yong views this as a positive step forward following requests from SAPP, Sabah STAR, and various NGOs to recognize Sabah Day.
He emphasized the importance of understanding the accurate and factual basis of MA63, as many individuals, including Sabahans, remain unaware of the true history of Malaysia’s formation.
Yong pointed out that the current education system teaches students that August 31, 1957, marks Malaysia’s Independence/National Day, which is not accurate.
He clarified that Malaya gained independence on August 31, 1957; Sarawak gained independence on July 22, 1963, and Sabah obtained self-governance status on August 31, 1963.
Malaysia was officially formed on September 16, 1963, according to him.
As a Sabahan, Yong personally celebrates Sabah Day on August 31 (this year marking its 60th anniversary) and Malaysia Day on September 16 (this year marking its 66th anniversary).
He expressed hope that the Federal Government would take initiative to include MA63 in the syllabus.
If the Federal Government refuses to introduce MA63 into the syllabus, Yong suggested that the GRS-led government could publish a state-endorsed book in different languages to provide the public with an accurate and comprehensive account of MA63.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
