Kuching golf club pulls down 'Merdeka' arch after Masing's criticism

Desmond Davidson Desmond Davidson Updated 7 years ago · Published on 15 Aug 2018 1:15PM · 5 Comments

The 'kemerdekaan' arch at the entrance of the Kuching Golf Club before it was taken down. – The Malaysian Insight pic, August 15, 2018.

MERDEKA Day continues to be a sticky event in Sarawak, where a golf club in Kuching was forced to remove from its main entrance an arch commemorating the day.

Kelab Golf Sarawak in Petra Jaya dismantled the arch on August 31 after severe criticism from Deputy Chief Minister James Masing for its historical inaccuracy.

Masing questioned the club’s management’s “mindset” and knowledge of the formation of Malaysia as the arch had the words “Selamat Kemerdekaan yang ke-61” (Happy 61st Independence Day).

“Sixty-one years ago, Malaysia didn’t even exist,” Masing said.

Malaysia was formed only 55 years ago on September 16, 1963, when Sarawak, Sabah and Singapore, which later pulled out, agreed to join Malaya in a federation of states.

The arch caught Masing’s attention when he was at the club to present prizes for a golf competition.

The club’s president is Chief Minister Abang Johari Openg and the management committee’s deputy president is State Secretary Mohd Morshidi Abdul Ghani.

Masing has been critical of Merdeka celebrations in Sarawak schools and of Pakatan Harapan state leaders calling for August 31 to be celebrated with enthusiasm.

He said federal leaders and Malaysians in the peninsula, on the other hand, showed no interest in Sarawak’s independence day celebrations on July 22.

“Why should Sarawak celebrate August 31 with enthusiasm? It’s Malaya’s independence day and it has nothing to do with us.

“Malaya couldn’t care less about our independence day,” Masing said.

Masing has lashed out at schools in Sarawak decorated with Jalur Gemilang flags, and at one school in particular which had a banner that said “61 years of Malaysia”.

“It’s either a case of wrong maths or wrong mindset,” he said.

Malaysia now celebrates Malaysia Day on September 16 as a public holiday, but this only came about in recent years after protests by Sabah and Sarawak over the lack of recognition.

The two states have become increasingly vocal in recent years over their rights enshrined in the Malaysia Agreement 1963, through which they formed Malaysia as independent and sovereign states. – August 15, 2018.

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Comments

  • He is absolutely correct. Malaya is celebrating its 61st independence day, while Malaysia is celebrating its 55th independence day.

    Posted 7 years ago by Luke Skywalker · Reply

  • Is the national day, Malaysia day or independence day dictates by politicians? It's actually historically known...that's Malaysia is also Malaya. Its a celebration for the whole Malaysia...if there's no 31st Aug 1957... there could be no 16 Sept 1963...Understand?

    Posted 7 years ago by Will Be Humble · Reply

  • I
    USA celebrate its Independence Day on 4th of July every year even though 4th of July technically was by the 13 colonies. Every other states that enter the USA after 4th July 1776, also celebrate Independence Day on 4th of July. So why cant T

    Posted 7 years ago by Mohammad Badry · Reply

  • I
    USA celebrate its Independence Day on 4th of July every year even though 4th of July technically was by the 13 colonies. Every other states that enter the USA after 4th July 1776, also celebrate Independence Day on 4th of July. So why cant we all Malaysian celebrate Merdeka on 31st August every year ?

    Posted 7 years ago by Mohammad Badry · Reply

  • Sarawak and Sabah NEVER 'entered'
    Malaya. Malaya ENTERED Malaysia on 16th September 1965 together with Sabah, Singapore and Sarawak.

    Posted 7 years ago by Philip Ting · Reply