From Sabah To Penang: Special Malaysia Day Book Symbolises Shared Resolve

GEORGE TOWN, Sept 16 (Bernama) -- The Pearl of the Orient witnessed a historic moment tonight when three representatives from Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, and Sarawak signed the Malaysia Day Commemorative Book, symbolising the nation’s enduring unity.

In a ceremony marked with grandeur, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas representing Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, and Sabah Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Shahelmey Yahya representing Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor affixed their signatures to the historic book.

The signatures in the Malaysia Day Commemorative Book represent a shared commitment to preserving peace, strengthening unity, and upholding the spirit of patriotism.

Sabah State Archives senior officer Razali Dait, who was entrusted with flying the book from Sabah to Penang, said the commemorative volume was a collaborative creation by representatives from the Sabah and Sarawak state governments, as well as the federal government.

He explained that the book’s cover, serving as the official record of Malaysia Day celebrations, was gilded in gold and adorned with woven motifs inspired by ethnic designs from Borneo and the Peninsula.

“The Malaysia Day Book case was crafted from teak wood and topped with the 13 state and national crests, measuring 2 by 1.8 feet. The record has been maintained from 2010 until now,” he told Bernama.

Razali shared that the concept of the book and its case was introduced by the then information, communications and culture minister, Tan Sri Dr Rais Yatim, while the book itself was produced by the Malaysian Handicraft Development Corporation. It has since been preserved and safeguarded by the Sabah State Archives.

He said, although the format had evolved in the digital era, the book itself remained unchanged as a historical record, with only the signed pages differing according to the year, host state, and representatives.

“For the first time this year, we produced a video (on the book) in collaboration with the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS),” he said.

The signing of the Malaysia Day Commemorative Book is a tradition at each celebration, serving as a symbolic gesture and a reminder of the nation’s history, formed through the union of Malaya, Sabah, and Sarawak on Sept 16, 1963.

The original Proclamation of Malaysia was signed by the first Prime Minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al Haj, on Sept 16, 1963, in both Malay (in Jawi script) and English, marking an important documentation of Malaysia’s formation.

Carrying the theme “Malaysia MADANI: Rakyat Disantuni,” tonight’s Malaysia Day celebration was further graced by the presence of Penang Governor Tun Ramli Ngah Talib and Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, along with cabinet ministers.

-- BERNAMA