𝗦𝗔𝗕𝗔𝗛 𝗛𝗘𝗟𝗣𝗘𝗗 𝗙𝗢𝗥𝗠 𝗠𝗔𝗟𝗔𝗬𝗦𝗜𝗔. 𝗧𝗢𝗚𝗘𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗥, 𝗪𝗘 𝗦𝗛𝗔𝗣𝗘 𝗜𝗧𝗦 𝗙𝗨𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘.

By Datuk Seri Dr Salleh Said Keruak

KOTA KINABALU: Malaysia Day is not only a time to look back at how Malaysia was formed. It is also an opportunity to ask: where do we want to take Malaysia from here?

In 1963, Sabah played an important role in the formation of Malaysia. Today, that spirit should continue — not only by safeguarding what was agreed, but by working together to shape the direction of our country for the next generation.

For Sabah, MA63, our constitutional rights and autonomy remain important. Upholding them does not mean distancing Sabah from Malaysia. It is part of building a Federation that is more mature, fair and founded on mutual respect.

At the same time, we cannot forever view the relationship between Sabah and the Federation only through the questions of the past. We must also move towards a bigger question: what can we build together?

We want a Sabah that is more developed and competitive — with better education and healthcare, reliable infrastructure and basic services, a stronger economy, and more opportunities for our young people to build their future here at home.

Sabah also has much to contribute to Malaysia’s future — our resources, our strategic position in Borneo, our rich cultures and biodiversity, and the talent, ideas and energy of a new generation of Sabahans.

That is why the relationship between Sabah and the Federal Government must continue to develop as a genuine partnership. Not Sabah against the Federal Government. Not East against West. But partners who understand our respective responsibilities and are prepared to work together to deliver better outcomes for our people.

A strong Malaysia needs a strong Sabah and Sarawak. Sabah, too, benefits from a Malaysia that is stable, prosperous and successful. Our interests do not have to be seen as competing with one another.

Previous generations played their part in forming Malaysia. The responsibility of our generation is to shape Malaysia’s future together — through greater cooperation, greater opportunities and the courage to find solutions to our shared challenges.

We may have different views on many issues. But Malaysia’s future is something we must continue to shape and build together.

Sabah helped form Malaysia.

Together, we shape its future.

Happy Malaysia Day.