SMK Kunak Jaya, Sabah Wins National-Level Nationhood Narration Contest

PUTRAJAYA, Sept 4 (Bernama) -- Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Kunak Jaya, Sabah emerged champion of the national-level Pengisahan Kenegaraan@Kelab Malaysiaku Competition 2025, held at Menara Komunikasi here today.

SMK Kunak Jaya’s performance, titled Namamu Kekal Dalam Sejarah (Your Name Lives On in History), earned the school RM6,000 in cash, a challenge trophy, a plaque and a certificate, presented by Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil.

The runner-up was Sekolah Seni Malaysia Sarawak, while third place went to SMK Batu Maung from Penang. Consolation prizes were awarded to SMK Idris Shah (Perak), SMK Sultan Abdul Jalil, Kluang (Johor) and SMK Yam Tuan Radin (Negeri Sembilan).

SMK Kunak Jaya coordinating teacher Rahmatia Saodi expressed pride in her students’ energetic and patriotic performance, which depicted the struggle of Datu Muhammad Salleh, better known as Mat Salleh.

“We presented the story of Mat Salleh, how he fought for Sabah’s independence, and the students conveyed it with great depth and conviction.

“These students are very talented and the victory is a fitting reward for their dedication and the support of everyone who assisted,” she told reporters.

Meanwhile, SMK Kunak Jaya student Siti Nurbayah Abdul Rahman, 18, described the win as an extraordinary and meaningful achievement for the school.

“Despite having limited time to rehearse, we worked hard to give our best for our beloved teachers who supported us throughout, and this victory makes it all worthwhile,” she said.

The competition, introduced in 2003, is part of the Information Department’s (JAPEN) efforts to strengthen patriotism and national unity, especially among the younger generation.

It incorporates elements of acting and storytelling to highlight messages of nationhood, the struggles of independence fighters, national leaders and the history of the nation’s struggles.

Also present were Communications Ministry senior undersecretary (Management) Mazlan Abd Mutalib, JAPEN director-general Julina Johan, Bernama editor-in-chief Arul Rajoo Durar Raj and Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka director-general Dr Hazami Jahar.

-- BERNAMA