It was a surprise to many of us that the Government of Malaysia has decided celebrate 16 September as Malaysia day this year - 47 years after the formation of Malaysia. It is also the first time that this day, 16 September has been gazetted as a National holiday. Sabah was chosen to host the inaugural Malaysia day celebration. Many young Malaysian do not know this historical date as the government has all these years been promoting 31 August as the National day and claimed that Malaysia is 53 years old! 
Malaya along with the then British crown colonies of North Borneo (Now Sabah), Sarawak and Singapore, formed Malaysia on 16 September 1963. Singapore pulled out of Malaysia 2 years later. I witnessed this grand ceremony on this day of 1963 in Jesseltion (Now Kota kinabalu) at the "Mederka Padang" (Freedom Field) when I was a student.
The same Mederka padang was set-up for the inaugural Malaysia day celebration a day before.
According to the program in the evening, there would be cultural dances and entertainment by local artists in the presences of our Prime Minister and other dignitaries. My wife and I decided to join in the celebration. On the way to the "padang" we were caught in a massive traffic jam and had to park our car one kilometer away from the venue.
The same Mederka padang was set-up for the inaugural Malaysia day celebration a day before.According to the program in the evening, there would be cultural dances and entertainment by local artists in the presences of our Prime Minister and other dignitaries. My wife and I decided to join in the celebration. On the way to the "padang" we were caught in a massive traffic jam and had to park our car one kilometer away from the venue.The chaotic traffic on the main road.
We were very disappointed as we arrived at the "padang". The celebration was badly organised as there was hardly any room to move and watch the ceremony. 
Obviously, the organising committee for this celebration did not do a good job. They only took care of the VVIPs, VIPs, politicians and high ranking government officials by building a grand stand for their comfort. For the ordinary folks, they had to suffer - going through the hassle to catch a glimpse of the show. In my opinion, a better venue could have been the Likas stadium as there are ample parking lots and comfortable seats for everyone. 
Obviously, the organising committee for this celebration did not do a good job. They only took care of the VVIPs, VIPs, politicians and high ranking government officials by building a grand stand for their comfort. For the ordinary folks, they had to suffer - going through the hassle to catch a glimpse of the show. In my opinion, a better venue could have been the Likas stadium as there are ample parking lots and comfortable seats for everyone. We only stayed for 10 minutes after taken some pictures.
It was reported in today's news that there were more 10,000 people last night. Perhaps it was ...but I noticed that about 75% of the crowd were not locals.
Anyway, wishing all Malaysians a Happy Malaysia day!
1 comment:
They probably have done so because of the historic significance of Town Padang. You know, 47 years after, making another history.
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