An Interpretation of Malaysian national history

The filling of content for Malysian national history should rightly start from 1963 onwards.  Yet many would not agree with me, vehemently saying that Malaysia as a nation should start with the independence of Malaya from the British rule. But Malaya's independence did not affect the peoples of Sabah and Sarawak.

The formation of Malaysia was hatched by Tunku Adbul Rahman, though some quarters believe that he got the cue from British advisers. But why did Najib consistently say that we should celebrate the 1957 indepedence of Malaya as National  Day? This could be a strong weakness point in Najib as he starts his climb to be the next Prime Minister of Malaysia and continue to garner votes from the peoples of Sabah and Sarawak when his historical sense is totally out of tune with the peoples of Sabah and Sarawak.

Truth be said, Malaysia was conceived in the 1961 and to push the idea through negotiations,investigations and commission were held to gauge the feelings of Sarawak and Sabah peoples especially its indigenous tribes.  As word got around, neighbouring countries like Indonesia, Phillipines and Brunei were against the idea.  But more importantly within Sarawak, the left wing elements especiallly the communists were intent to break the formation.

Small scale wars were fought with the Indonesians ,communists and the rebels from Brunei by the peoples of Sarawak. Blood was spilt . The peoples of Sarawak fought for the formation of Malaysia. This point is critical because the role of the West Malaysian politician seem merely as political lobbyist and power broker. If armies were needed to help the Sarawak people fight then it was a matter of putting the request to the British government for help, which they did.

Finally with the concerted efforts of the British army soldiers and the local Sarawak freedom fighters and of course top level negotiations war was brought to an end. Sarawak was ready to become a partner in the formation of Malaysia . The original idea of a federation of Malaysia became a reality and Malaysia as a nation was established in 1963.

At this point it is relevant to step back and see the implication of this interpretation.

Firstly, for the peoples of Sabah and Sarawak, their 'social contract' started in 1963 where the constitution was specifically made to safeguard their rights, culture and religion. It is this social contract that Malaysia should focus on. Not on the social contract much talked about nowadays between the Indians ,Chinese and Malays of Semenanjung Malaysia when they decided to form Malaya. That was history and really of no relevance to the new Malaysia entity of which the peoples of Sabah and Sarawak fought wars for. I can see no reason for West Malaysian politicians  indulging and conditioning us about their so called social contract when this did not ring a bell to the peoples of Sabah and Sarawak.  For the peoples of Sarawak this ghost of the social contract , frightening and threatening at many times for the  peoples of Semenanjung pales against the easy going, happy and harmonius race relations prevalent in Sarawak and Sabah. For them it is the filling up of content of what is meant to be a Malaysian race and economic strength that should fill the pages of the new Malaysian history, not harp back on what happened in Malaya.

Secondly, the arrogance of Najib which is reflective of the politicians of West Malaysia need to stop.  As true Malaysians, we need to uphold the 16 th of September as the only date to celebrate regarding the formation of Malaysia ( Malaysia Day)  and the independence of the peoples of Sabah and Sarawak through the new polity.  To me this is the only saving grace for the future of Malaysia and race relations in a better and newer context. Forget about Malayan independence. Fo once be serious about putting meaning into the future of Malaysia.

If truth be told, it is just a matter of a referendum to find the sentiments of the peoples of Sabah and Sarawak about which date to celebrate Malaysia as a nation.  I am pretty certain, that they will choose 16 th September 1963.