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    16 September 2012| last updated at 07:23PM

    'More emphasis on Malaysia Day needed'

    By Eunice Au

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    KUALA LUMPUR: It is important to understand the significance of Malaysia Day and accord September 16 with more emphasis, several Malaysians said yesterday.

      Sabahan Mohd Hazli Ali Zapar, 23, said Malaysia Day  should be given more highlights because that was the day  when Malaya, Sabah and Sarawak became a true family.
      “Independence is no doubt important but having in dependence without being united does not mean as much.
      “I feel Malaysia Day was not given enough focus in the past  so people do not appreciate the unity of Malaya, Sabah and  Sarawak as a nation as much,” he said.
      The founder of the Green Leaf Theatre House, added that  he had been trying to raise awareness of Malaysia Day  through his theatre group’s stage performances in the past  two years.
      Sabahan Welker Libin, 21, a student, also agreed that more  focus should be given to Malaysia Day in the national  celebrations because it commemorated the formation of  Malaysia.
      “To me, Aug 31 is a celebration of Malaya’s indepen dence.
      “September 16 means more to me because Malaysia would  not exist without Sabah and Sarawak.”
      To raise Malaysians’ awareness and appreciation of  Malaysia Day, Izyan Mohamad, 25, suggested that a special  treasure hunt could be organised to encourage citizens to dig  up information on Malaysia and learn more about the  country.
      Although Aug 31 also held a personal meaning for her as  her father’s birthday fell on that day, Izyan said Malaysia Day  should be also be given prominence.
      Patricia Lajumin, 26, from Sabah, suggested that interstate  cultural festivals could be organised to ensure Malaysians  were familiar with the richness of each Malaysian state’s  cultural and historical heritage.
      Kuala Lumpur-borne Toh Rong Rong, 25, proposed that  more prominence be given to Malaysia Day in schools.
      “Malaysia Day signifies our unity as a country and it is a  good opportunity to reflect on the positive sides of Malaysia,”  Toh said, adding that the government could run advertisements reminding people of the reasons behind Malaysia  Day in the media, including on social networks.
     

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