Working together as a team

Captivating: People performing at the national-level Malaysia Day celebration at Unity Stadium. —BernamaKUCHING: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has stated that the display of love and affection by the people of Sarawak and Sabah towards the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and Raja Permaisuri Agong during their Kembara Kenali Borneo tour is a testament to the progress Malaysia has made since gaining independence. The Prime Minister praised the warm welcome given to the King and Queen throughout their journey from Tawau in Sabah to Telok Melano in Sarawak from Sept 3-13.

Anwar expressed his gratitude for the warm reception given by people of all races and backgrounds and shared that when he met with the King last Thursday, the King expressed deep gratitude for the love and affection he received during the tour. Anwar revealed that the King handed over to him all the letters and petitions he received during the tour, which has left him with a significant responsibility.

In response to this, Anwar stated that he will instruct the government to carefully study each letter and address the issues raised. For matters that cannot be resolved by the government, Anwar plans to pass them on to Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor and Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. Furthermore, Anwar commended the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) state governments for their support in fostering unity and stability.

Anwar emphasized the importance of unity, given Malaysia’s diverse population, and stated that only through unity can the country progress and improve its economy. Abang Johari Tun Openg, Sarawak’s Premier, expressed appreciation for the efforts of the Federal Government to restore the rights of Sarawak and Sabah as outlined in the Federal Constitution and Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).

Abang Johari reiterated that Sarawak’s demands for its rights should not be seen as an attempt to encroach upon the rights of others and reaffirmed GPS’s full support for the unity government until the next election. He also emphasized that despite the demands made under MA63, Sarawak and Sabah are committed to working with Peninsular Malaysia to strengthen unity.

The celebration, themed “Malaysia Madani: Tekad Perpaduan, Penuhi Harapan” (Determination in Unity, Fulfilling Hope), was graced by Acting Sarawak Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tan Sri Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar. The event included a pre-show performance by singers, with Anwar later signing the Malaysia Day special book in the presence of Abang Johari and Hajiji.

The highlight of the celebration was the Segulai Sejalai musical, which depicted the journey of Malaya, Sarawak, and Sabah from their pursuit of independence to the formation of Malaysia and to the present day. The musical featured a 150-member cast comprising actors, dancers, singers, and martial artists. The performance concluded with Iban singer Gabriel Fairuz and other artists performing the Segulai Sejalai song, which Fairuz composed specifically for the Malaysia Day celebration.