MELAKA: Sarawak and Sabah, who together with Malaya, established Malaysia, are determined to remain in Malaysia and ensure continued development together.

Sarawak premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said Sarawak would continue to hold fast to the vow to be together in Malaysia and develop based on the terms enshrined in the Federal Constitution, the Malaysia Agreement 1963 and the Inter-governmental Committee Report (IGC).

He said Malaysia Day is a very important historical moment that is celebrated together to honour the struggle of past leaders and the people, who overcame various challenges to achieve their desire to be a free, sovereign and united country.

"Armed with nationalistic spirit and patriotism, Sarawakians of various ethnicities, religions and social backgrounds, will surely hold the theme of this year's Malaysia Day, Keluarga Malaysia, Teguh Bersama, in high regard.

"I believe the theme will complement the role and contributions of Malaysians, especially the youth, who will ensure the continued development of our country," he said in a video of his speech that was broadcast during the Malaysia Day 2022 celebrations at the Independence Proclamation Memorial Square, Banda Hilir here tonight.


Also, Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, said in his broadcasted speech that Sept 16 was a meaningful day for all Malaysians as they celebrate the founding of their country.

He said the spirit of independence enjoyed today was the continuation of the generation who came before, something that ran through the hearts of all Malaysians.

"The theme Keluarga Malaysia Teguh Bersama clearly states that the Malaysian Family emphasises on the unity of the multiracial and multi-religious society in Sabah that live in harmony, united in peace, togetherness and gratitude, while Teguh Bersama conveys the strength and unity achieved collectively and sustainably," he said.

For the first time in history, Malaysia Day celebrations are being held in the Peninsula, with Melaka being the host.

Meanwhile, Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Sulaiman Md Ali said the people of the state were honoured to be chosen as hosts for the celebrations, adding that it showed the federal government's confidence of the multicultural values of the state.


"We in Melaka have always practised an open and pragmatic policy towards race and religion, which has strengthened national integration relations.

"In fact, these practices began since the days of the Melaka Malay Sultanate, he said in his video broadcast.

Sulaiman added that Melaka's selection as host also gave it a chance to strengthen its domestic tourism sector.

-- BERNAMA