KOTA KINABALU: UPKO Kota Belud welcomes proposal to celebrate Malaysia’s Independence Day without highlighting the anniversary year beginning next year.
Its divisional chief, Ewon Benedick, said the proposal by the Minister of Multimedia and Communication, Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek, was a way forward towards unity among all Malaysians.
“In future, I would suggest that Malaysia Day is celebrated nationwide on a wider scale as the date, 16 September 1963, marked the birth of our nation, Malaysia, which was formed by state entities that had gained independence on different dates,” said Ewon.
“The Federated Malay States gained their independence on August 31, 1957, Sarawak gained theirs on July 22, 1963 and Sabah on August 31, 1963. It is therefore virtually impossible to synchronise the different dates into one date for the purpose of a meaningful celebration by all. That is why I am proposing that in the future, only Malaysia Day on September 16 should be celebrated on a bigger scale rather than those different dates of achieving independence or at the very least to have an equally big scale celebration for all. This is the only common date that would be agreeable and meaningful to all,” he further added.
Ewon was speaking following a gotong-royong carried out by his division to complete their UPKO Kota Belud service centre in Kg. Rangalau, Kota Belud where his divisional committee members, youth, women and Komulakan movement took part.
“This is how we celebrate Malaysia Day in our own way. It serves to remind us the very reason why we joined this party and participate in the national politics, which is to play our part in nation building, to ensure that our country, Malaysia will remain true to the principle upon which it was formed and as enshrined in the Federal Constitution of Malaysia on September 16, 1963,” he said.
“Two of our great nationalists, Donald Stephens and G.S. Sundang, were the signatories in the Malaysia Agreement. So today, this newly completed UPKO Kota Belud divisional service centre is a continuation of their legacy as the Founding Fathers of this nation through UPKO,” he said.
Ewon, who is also the political secretary to the Minister of Agriculture and Food Industry, hoped the completion of the office will help strengthen communication with the grassroots in Kota Belud in line with the aspiration of the government.
He expressed his gratitude to all members of UPKO who have supported him after he took over as the divisional chief last year and for contributing to the programs organized by the division. According to him, the service centre will be officially launched early next year.
“This is a testimony of the confidence in the party leadership that participation in politics is not only about discussing or debating issues but more on service to the people and initiating efforts to resolve their problems,” he said.
“This activity today sees the establishment of a strong sense of belonging among my committee members that they are very much part of the party leadership,” said Ewon.
