NABAWAN: Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister, Datuk Ellron Alfred Angin, said the participation of all the village people at the Independence Day celebration would boost the spirit of patriotism and love of the country.
“The participation would also have a positive impact on racial unity and the true meaning of Independence Day, especially for the younger generation who still do not understand the history of this country’s independence,” he said when officiating the Kiat Kanawai Independence Day and Malaysia Day joint celebration by five villages and a school held at Kampung Lima here on Saturday.
The villages are Kampung Lima, Kampung Enam, Kampung Loboh, Kampung Mangkulasing, Kampung Kebu Baru and SK Kampung Enam.
Ellron said such efforts should be continued so that both historical celebrations can be celebrated with a full count and fully embraced by all walks of life regardless of race and ethnicity.
He said the variety of activities, such as performances and competitions held by their respective cultures would also contribute to the uniqueness of the event.
At the same time, Ellron, who is also the assemblyman for Sook, warned the people not to question and to distinguish Independence Day and Malaysia Day celebrations, because both were sacred celebrations that freed the people in this country from colonialism.
“Without the sacrifices of previous national fighters, certainly we cannot enjoy all the comfort today,” he said.
During the event, the late OT Lagut Yabulus (1915-1992) was given the Independence Figure award, while the Academic Independence Figure award went to District Chief OKK Sayau Tangkap, and the Independence Figure award in Agricultural Entrepreneurs to Larim Haluk and Undi Gunah.