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By:听Marja Azlima Omar,听Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 麻豆视频
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On September 16, Malaysia marks its National Day of Unity, the day that we celebrate as 鈥淢alaysia Day鈥� This date, etched in our collective memory since 1963, symbolises not only the moment of federation but also the promise of a shared destiny between Malaya, Sabah, and Sarawak. Each year, Malaysians are reminded of the ideals of integration often coined as unity in diversity, respect for difference, and strength in togetherness. For many, Malaysia Day is a time of parades, cultural performances, and proud reflections on the nation鈥檚 achievements.
Yet, this year, in Sabah, the occasion is shadowed by grief. Just days before the 68th commemoration of Malaysia Day, floods and landslides devastated several communities across the state. Families lost their homes, livelihoods were swept away, and most tragically, lives were lost. At the time of writing, 13 were confirmed dead due to landslides at four villages in Papar, Penampang and Kolombong. Indeed, what was supposed to be a day of celebration has become a moment of mourning and reflection. One cannot help but ponder pertinent lingering question i. e. after nearly seven decades of nationhood, is this truly the kind of freedom and unity we celebrate?
Floods and landslides are not new to Sabah and a few other states such as Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang. Each monsoon season, communities brace themselves for the worst, often with immediate limited resources or support. The intensity of recent events, however, underscores a troubling reality: these disasters are not entirely natural. They are exacerbated by human actions and systemic failures. Poor urban planning, deforestation, inadequate drainage systems, and weak disaster preparedness all converge to turn heavy rain into humanitarian crises.
As Malaysians, we must confront the uncomfortable truth that such tragedies are, to a large extent, preventable. They are not simply 鈥渁cts of God鈥� to be accepted passively. They reveal shortcomings in governance, infrastructure, and long-term planning. The symbolism of Malaysia Day becomes stark when placed against this backdrop. What value does freedom hold if citizens cannot be safe in their own homes? What is the meaning of independence if some states continue to bear disproportionate suffering, year after year? All of these are nothing but uncomfortable questions but warrants deep reflection for better outlook.
Freedom is often celebrated in political terms as being independence from colonial rule, sovereignty over territory, and the right to self-determination. However, for ordinary citizens, freedom has a more immediate meaning. It is the freedom to live without fear of displacement or death from preventable disasters. It is the freedom to enjoy safe housing, reliable infrastructure, and equal access to opportunities. It is the freedom to trust that the government, both state and federal, will safeguard the well-being of its people.
Malaysia Day should therefore not only be about remembrance but also about accountability. To celebrate nationhood while ignoring preventable suffering would be an empty gesture. The true test of a nation鈥檚 independence is not found in ceremonial speeches or parades. It is revealed in moments of crisis. When states are struck by floods and landslides, the rest of Malaysia must respond. Those responses are not out of charity, but out of duty. Swift announcement of RM10 million through the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) by the Prime Minister marked the salient sheer commitment and nation鈥檚 empathy.
If Malaysia Day is to remain meaningful, it must be reclaimed as more than a ceremonial holiday. It must serve as a call to action to strengthen disaster preparedness, to invest in resilient infrastructure, and to ensure that no community is left behind. Policymakers must take the lessons from Sabah鈥檚 recent tragedy seriously, addressing the systemic causes of vulnerability. Civil society must demand accountability and transparency in disaster management. Ordinary Malaysians must extend solidarity, not only through words but through tangible support for affected communities. Blame is not to put under the label of climate change as climate change took place all due to human鈥檚 faults managing natural resources.
In Sabah鈥檚 floods and landslides, Malaysia鈥檚 conscience is once again being tested. How we respond to prevent future calamities will determine whether Malaysia Day remains a true celebration of an independent nation or merely an annual reminder of promises unfulfilled.