I'm An Iban From Sarawak, MALAYSIA.

This post is merely a personal opinion of mine and I'm responsible for all the letters typed.

Amongst friends, I am well known for my opinion "Apak-style" when discussing issues in the nation. That, I believe, is my notion, which I believe (again), everyone is entitled to his/her notion. Example; Salmah shouldn't condemn Mark's opinion on certain issue. So should Mark when Salmah starts discussing on another issue. Salmah and Mark too should respect what Pratap & Boon have to say about an issue.

Complicated? Not, actually. If you think with the mind, not with the heart.

Again, I'd like to remind you readers that I'm a bit opinionated on the nation's issues.

As we all know, it's 31st August 2010 and the 53rd year the Federation of Malaya gained its independence from the British colonial. As a Sarawakian (I am never prouder than this), I'd like to wish HAPPY MERDEKA DAY TO ALL MALAYSIANS.

It's 16 more days to go before the actual INDEPENDENCE Day for Sarawak and Sabah.

I know history that . . . . . .

SARAWAK

+

SABAH

+

SINGAPORE

+

Tanah Melayu

formed

MALAYSIA

on 16th September 1963 (six years after Malaya's Independence).

Malaysia Day was scheduled to be on 31st Aug 1963, but was postponed due to the Indonesian & Philippines' strong opposition to the formation. And there's Cobbold Commision to conduct a survey amongst Sarawakians & Sabahans whether they wished to join Malaysia. Their findings showed strong support to the formation thus clearing the way for the proclamation of Malaysia.

(Note: The support shown/findings were from our nenek moyangs saying that they agreed to join Malaysia. Respect that, and stop hoping that Sarawak to be out of the Nation).

Let's face it. If not for the Independence of Malaya, we would still be struggling (pre-war, post-war, these days - I don't know). It MIGHT be not. But, we HAVE been under Malaysia, so be it.

The formation of Federation of Malaysia was announced on 16th September 1963 (Malaysia Day) and 31st Aug remains as the date for the nationwide celebration of Merdeka. We have been celebrating this day and were given one day off since 53 years ago to commemorate the history. Yes, for 53 years we have gotten used to celebrating 31st Aug until recently. Starting 2010, Malaysia Day (16th Sept) is declared as a public holiday (in addition to the Malaya Independence Day) for ALL MALAYSIANS to mark the day of the formation of Malaysia. Both dates are of the same importance and Malaysia, unlike any others, has a unique way in marking their histories.

So, where did I go wrong when I said, "Have a blessed Independence Day to all MALAYSIANS?"

Cheers!