Celebrating the 57th Malaysia Day

Sep 20, 2020

KENINGAU: In celebrating the nation’s 57th Malaysia Day, Bishop Cornelius Piong reminded the faithful of the many things that they can be grateful for.

However, he cautioned that the spirit and vision of the leaders who created Malaysia from a combination of three countries — Malaya, Sarawak and Sabah — must be brought to the attention of all to ensure that the conditions for the formation of Malaysia are not extinguished over time.

The theme of Malaysia Prihatin should be the focus of all in creating a society that cares for everyone irrespective of race, religion and culture.

Please see below for the full text of his message.

This year we celebrate the 57th Malaysia Day, the National Day of our beloved country, which we celebrate on Sept 16 every year.

In celebrating Malaysia Day, there are a few things we need to be grateful for. Among other things, first, let us give thanks to God because He gave us a place to live, this beautiful Homeland where we can live in peace and harmony within a plural society of various races, ethnicities and beliefs, though we realise that there are still spaces which can be further enhanced in terms of racial and religious tolerance. Second, we are also thankful to God because with the protection and the power of His Holy Spirit we can still enjoy a peaceful and secure life even if the whole world is threatened by the COVID-19 pandemic. We are thankful that our situation in Malaysia is still under control due to the attitude of the people, who are obedient and  adhere to the SOP efforts to curb the spread of this pandemic.

Every time we celebrate Malaysia Day, we need to recall the spirit and vision shown by the leaders who created Malaysia from a combination of three countries — Malaya, Sarawak and Sabah. The promises agreed upon when forming Malaysia on Sept 16, 1963 need to be again brought to the attention of the current leaders of the country, all the people, especially our youths, and the future generation of national leaders, so that the terms of the agreement remain respected and implemented. This will ensure that the conditions for the formation of Malaysia are not extinguished over time.

The theme of this year’s National Day celebration is Malaysia Prihatin. This is a very good theme if it can really be applied to the daily life of every citizen. May we Malaysians strive to emulate it regardless of race,  religion and culture. Creating a society that cares for all is very important so that we Malaysians may always live in peace and harmony and be protected from disasters and calamities.

To translate this attitude and culture of caring for each other as a driving force of our lives as Malaysians, it is necessary that:

1) We live for God, the Creator of man, not the ‘god’ of human creation, so that the Truth will not be compromised.

2) Always be concerned with the situation and needs of our fellow human beings, regardless of political beliefs, ancestry or religion.

3) Always be concerned with the state of the world, where we live together, which is suffering a lot of damage and disease due to human culture and irresponsible attitudes. Humans themselves  are causing global warming, and widespread air and water pollution.

4) Changing the attitude of selfishness which implies not caring for what the consequences will be for the future of our children.

There is no point in shouting Merdeka and waving the Jalur Gemilang if it is all just external or skin-deep. Concern for others will only exist in a person and in the people if faith in God the Creator exists. May concern for humanity and for God’s creation continue to exist in us.

Wishing You a Happy 57th Malaysia Day.
Malaysia Prihatin
+Bishop Datuk Cornelius Piong Sept 12, 2020