Activist: Stop confusing Malaya’s independence with Malaysia’s nationhood, respect history
Sarawak rights activist Peter John Jaban urges the Malaysian government to acknowledge the historical distinction between Malaya's independence on August 31, 1957, and Malaysia's formation on September 16, 1963. He emphasizes that celebrating August 31 as National Day disregards Sarawak's independence on July 22, 1963, and the subsequent formation of Malaysia with Malaya, Sabah, Sarawak, and Singapore as equal partners. Jaban argues that recognizing only August 31 disrespects the history and identity of Sabah and Sarawak, leading to declining national flag displays on that date among Sarawakians.
