KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysians still struggle to differentiate between Merdeka Day and Malaysia Day even after 67 years of independence.
MP Datuk Seri Doris Sophia Brodi (Sri Aman-GPS) said some even extend greetings with phrases like ‘Selamat Hari Merdeka, Malaysia!’ and claimed that she, too, has received such messages.
“There are even some who say Malaysia gained Merdeka on August 31, which is independence.
“How can Malaysia achieve Merdeka when it was only formed in 1963? Malaysia itself has never been colonised!
“So, saying Malaysia Merdeka is not accurate at all. How can this happen? What has happened with our country’s education system?” she asked.
This was among the points she raised during the debate on the royal address today.
Expressing concerns over the unity of the people in the country, Doris said this confusion has to be corrected in order to build a united Malaysia.
“We must teach history accurately and comprehensively. This has to start with teaching children early in preschool.
“I urge the government, the National Unity Ministry, and the Education Ministry to take this seriously,” she added.
Agreeing with the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim, who called on Putrajaya to formulate a policy to strengthen unity and harmony among Malaysians, Doris said this has to be done as soon as possible as it involves the identity of each and every person as Malaysians.
In his royal address at the opening of the First Meeting of the Third Session of the 15th Parliament on Monday, Sultan Ibrahim said, based on his observations, the relationships between the races in this country were still not as desired, even after more than 60 years of the formation of Malaysia. – February 28, 2024