By Abdul Rahman Fahmi Abdul Aziz
KUCHING, Sept 16 (Bernama) -- The return of the Malaysia Day Celebration Special Book to Sarawak in conjunction with this year's celebration reflects the historical ties and harmony that have always remained strong among the Peninsula, Sabah and Sarawak.
The official volume kept by the Sabah State Archives Department stands as a silent witness to the unity and integration of the three regions, with representatives of the three regions signing it each time the Malaysia Day celebration is held as a symbol of national unity.
Sabah State Archives officer Razali Dait said the ceremony would be performed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor at tonight's celebration at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK).
"The signatures symbolise our unity among the three regions... Although the ceremony only takes a minute or two, it is the true symbolism of Sept 16, which determines the declaration of the formation of Malaysia," he told Bernama.
First introduced in 2010, the special book contains a compilation of documents signed by representatives of the Federal Government, Sabah and Sarawak.
The book was the brainchild of then Information, Communications and Culture Minister Tan Sri Dr Rais Yatim, while its preparation was carried out by the Malaysian Handicraft Development Corporation.
The cover of the official Malaysia Day celebration record book is coated with gold and features woven motifs based on the patterns of local ethnic communities in Sarawak, Sabah and the Peninsula.
Its box is made of teak wood, with the national coat of arms and the 13 state coats of arms placed on top.
Razali, who was responsible for flying the book from Kota Kinabalu to Kuching, said the movement of the document was carried out under tight security and through close cooperation between the Sarawak state government as host and Federal agencies.
He said the ties sealed through the historic document served as an important basis for cooperation between the Federal and state governments in fulfilling the aspirations of the people throughout the regions.
Razali hoped that the values of harmony and understanding transcending various ethnic groups and communities enshrined in the tradition would continue to be embraced by the younger generation as a pillar of peace in the country.
"Let us practise a culture of cooperation, mutual understanding and caring for one another so that Malaysia continues to be held in high regard, remains peaceful and develops alongside other countries," he said.
The signing ceremony of the Malaysia Day Celebration Special Book is a traditional event held at every Malaysia Day celebration as a symbol and to commemorate the history of the formation of Malaysia through the union of Malaya, Sabah and Sarawak on Sept 16, 1963.
The last time the book was in Bumi Kenyalang was during the 2023 Malaysia Day celebration held at the Unity Stadium here.
-- BERNAMA