18/09/2025

THURSDAY | SEPT 18, 2025

6

Celebrating Malaysia Day in spirit of harmony

Commemorative book symbolises enduring unity of nation GEORGE TOWN: The Pearl of the Orient witnessed a historic moment on Tuesday when three representatives from Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak signed the Malaysia Day Commemorative Book, symbolising the enduring unity of the nation. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, representing Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Abang Openg, and Sabah Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Shahelmey Yahya, representing Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor took part in the signing. Sabah State Archives senior officer Razali Dait, who flew the book from Sabah to Penang, said it was a collaborative creation by representatives from Sabah, Sarawak and the federal government. He said the cover was gilded in gold and decorated with woven motifs inspired by ethnic designs from both Borneo and the peninsula, while its teak case was topped with the 13 state and national crests. The book has served as the official record of Malaysia Day celebrations since 2010. The concept was introduced by then information, communications and culture minister Tan Sri Dr Rais Yatim, while the Malaysian Handicraft Development Corporation produced the book, which has since been preserved by the Sabah State Archives. Although the digital era has changed the way records are kept, he said the book itself remained unaltered, with only the signed pages differing according to the year, host state and representatives. This year, a video on the book was also produced in collaboration with the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia. The signing of the book has become a tradition at Malaysia Day celebrations, serving as a reminder of the country’s formation through the union of Malaya, Sabah and Sarawak on Sept 16, 1963. The original Proclamation of Malaysia, signed by first prime minister Tunku Abdul Rahman on that date in both Malay (Jawi script) and English, remains one of the nation’s most important historical documents. – Bernama

o Various state programmes attract thousands from all walks of life,

instilling patriotism and love for country

KUALA LUMPUR: From Borneo to the peninsula, Malaysia Day was celebrated on Tuesday in a lively atmosphere with various programmes that showcased national unity and the deep love Malaysians of all races hold for the country. The highlight was the national-level celebration at the PICCA Convention Centre @ Butterworth Arena in Penang, themed “Malaysia Madani: Rakyat Disantuni”, which drew thousands. The event was graced by Penang Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Ramli Ngah Talib and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, while deputy prime ministers Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and key leaders from Sabah and Sarawak were also in attendance. In Sarawak, about 10,000 people gathered at the Old Bintulu Airport for the state-level celebration, waving the Jalur Gemilang and the state flag Ibu Pertiwi to enliven the atmosphere. The event was graced by Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, Bernama reported. Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Abang Openg, accompanied by his daughter Dayang Norjihan, joined the celebration with state and federal ministers, dignitaries and department heads. Earlier, more than 3,000 participants took part in a six-kilometre Malaysia Day run at Dewan Suarah Bintulu as part of the celebration. The 62nd Malaysia Day celebration was also enlivened in several states through various nationhood and community

A cultural performance in Penang was among various activities held in different states to mark Malaysia Day. – BERNAMAPIC

an Iban warrior costume made by his mother using recycled materials. The Jalur Gemilang -themed outfit was a creative effort to showcase Sarawak heritage through sustainable practices. Malaysians abroad also celebrated the occasion, including members of the Malaysian Battalion 850-12 serving under the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Lebanon, who organised a 10km run to ignite patriotic spirit among personnel. The Embassy of Malaysia in Laos hosted a Malaysia Day reception to highlight the country’s aspirations while strengthening bilateral ties with the Laos government. Malaysia Day is celebrated on Sept 16 each year to commemorate the formation of the Federation of Malaysia in 1963 through the Malaysia Agreement, which united Malaya, Sabah and Sarawak under one sovereign nation.

activities, reflecting the strong patriotic spirit among the people. In the federal capital, over 100 residents of Lucky Garden in Bangsar joined a three kilometre Malaysia Day walk organised by the Lucky Garden Residents Association to foster unity among the local community. The morning event also involved participation from government agencies, including police and the Fire and Rescue Department, creating a harmonious and patriotic atmosphere. In Kelantan, two tame elephants Sanum and Chery paraded near Istana Balai Besar in Kota Bharu, delighting more than 500 spectators, many of whom donned traditional attire complete with tanjak and sampin . In Johor, 10-year-old pupil Saif Islam Abdul Rahman stole the spotlight at Pasar Muafakat Sabah in Johor Bahru by donning