At the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities (FSSH), Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), Merdeka and Malaysia Day are seen as moments to pause and reflect. These dates are not just markers of history, but opportunities to consider where the nation has come from and where it is heading.
For Puan Rowena Abdullah, moving forward together with resilience is key. “May prosperity and peace remain everlasting. Malaysians must emphasize the importance of unity, solidarity, and responsibility in advancing and safeguarding the sovereignty of our nation,” she shared.
Similarly, Dr Daniel Ugih views Malaysia Day as a true expression of love for the country and unity among the people. He hopes Malaysians will continue to wholeheartedly embrace the deeper meaning of Malaysia Day, carrying forward the togetherness that has shaped the nation since its formation.
Merdeka also signifies freedom beyond politics. Staff members emphasized that the meaning of these national days evolves over time. As Siti Azizah binti Abdul Latif, Assistant Registrar at FSSH, explained: “Independence is not only about freedom from physical colonization, but also freedom in critical thinking, financial independence, mastery of digital technology, and the ability to build self-identity and a spirit of patriotism within ourselves.”
“Spending over a year in Sarawak taught me something beautiful, which is, no matter the diversity in ethnicity or belief, people here gather over meals, engage in meaningful conversations, and share passions while living together peacefully,” reflected Muhammad Azzubair Awwam, a Selangor native who recently joined FSSH.
Dr Bemen Wong added that Malaysia Day is a meaningful occasion that commemorates the moment Sabah, Sarawak, and Malaya came together in unity to form the nation we proudly call Malaysia.
For Dr Mohd Khairul Nabil, Malaysia Day serves as a reminder of the importance of unity between Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, and Sarawak as one sovereign nation. “I hope Malaysia will continue to move forward as a just, prosperous, and inclusive country. Malaysia Day is a moment for us to renew our love for the nation — not only in words, but through collective effort to build a brighter future,” he reflected.
Malaysia Day is more than a date in history. “It’s about remembering how our country came together back in 1963. It reminds us of our roots and the importance of unity in diversity. I was a 6 year-old boy then and was in primary one,” recalled Prof Dato Dr Spencer Empading Sanggin.
This year marks the 62nd Malaysia Day, celebrated under the theme “Malaysia MADANI: Rakyat Disantuni (Caring for the People)”. The theme reflects the government’s commitment to the well-being of its people and the importance of inclusivity in national development. Sharing his perspective, Josfirin Uding Rangga expressed confidence that Malaysia will continue to progress with strong unity and steady growth, ensuring prosperity and welfare for all Malaysians.
Adding to these reflections, Prof. Datu Dr Neilson Ilan Mersat highlighted the enduring relevance of the Iban maxim Agi Idup Agi Ngelaban: the spirit of perseverance and determination to defend what we hold dear for as long as life endures. He reminded the community that this spirit should continue to guide Malaysians in safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty, while extending his wishes for a joyful and meaningful Malaysia Day.
Together, these voices from the FSSH community echo a shared hope: that Malaysia Day serves not only as a commemoration of history, but also as a call to strengthen unity, nurture inclusivity, and renew collective aspirations for a brighter future.
For staff and students alike, Merdeka and Malaysia Day are reminders of resilience, unity, and the unfinished work of building a nation that is fair, just, and forward-looking. They also spark important conversations about identity, belonging, and aspiration, i.e. conversations that reaffirm the belief that the story of Malaysia is still being written, and everyone has a part to play.
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