BY: AFIX REDZUAN
SHAH ALAM, SEP 16: The public holiday in conjunction with Malaysia Day every September 16 was inspired by Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The holiday began in 2008 in five states; Kedah, Perak, Kelantan, Penang and Selangor that were won by Pakatan Rakyat during the 12th General Election.
Anwar as KEADILAN de-facto leader was reported saying that the holiday was appropriate because September 16 is the anniversary of the establishing Malaysia and it is a historic day like August 31.
“We want to prove to the rakyat that the opposition alliance does not twist historical fact. This date (September 16) is a very historic day.
“So, we hope that the five states we control now will be given a public holiday this September 16,” he said.
He was speaking at the thanksgiving ceremony after winning the Permatang Pauh Parliamentary by-election at the Seberang Jaya Expo site on September 1, 2008.
The federation of Malaysia established on September 16, 1963 was born from the idea of the first Prime Minister of Malaya, the late Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj that involved Malaya, Singapore, North Borneo (Sabah), Sarawak and Brunei.
The federation was formed with several intentions, including to defeat the influence and threat of the Communists, a shared economy and early independence for Singapore, Sabah, Sarawak and Brunei.
Singapore seceded from Malaysia in August 1965 after difficulties between the island and Kuala Lumpur.
Malaysia Day holiday thanks to Anwar
