You have to admit that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak does understand the people and he is willing to make conceptual breakthrough.

Starting next year, the date 16 Sept will become a national public holiday to be officially celebrated as Malaysia Day. It is one of the latest measures taken based on Najib's “1Malaysia” concept.

It means that in addition to 31 Aug, 16 Sept may also be regarded as Malaysia's National Day.

In fact, there are historical origins for a country to have two National Days.

The date 31 Aug is to commemorate the independence of Malaya from the British colonisation in 1957 while 16 Sept is to commemorate the formation of the federation of Malaysia following the inclusion of Sabah and Sarawak in 1963 (Singapore used to be part of Malaysia but it quitted to become an independent country in 1965).

From the historical perspective, both the dates are significant. However, we have celebrated only Merdeka Day and neglected Malaysia Day for a long time.

It has been 46 years since the formation of the federation of Malaysia and it is going to be half a century four years later.

The 60's of the last century was a volatile era and the formation of Malaysia has changed the then historical direction of the Southeast Asia. We sigh with emotions and at the same time, are full of bitterness when we look back at the historical event.

Many historical turning points were carried out in the form of war. Fortunately, even there was a British predominance behind the birth of Malaysia and it was strongly opposed by left-wing parties while triggering a confrontation from Indonesia, basically, the process was peaceful and smooth. Today, it is an unalterable historical fact.

However, it is a pity that in such an important historical turning point, we did not make good use of the historical opportunity to create a truly great Malaysia. Instead, we have wasted the precious 46 years.

It has been 46 years but there is still an invisible wall between the people from the Peninsular and Sabah and Sarawak. We seem to be so close, yet so far.

It has been 46 years but there is still a significant difference between the Peninsular and Sabah and Sarawak in terms of development and economic development. Contrarily, Singapore, which has withdrew from the federation of Malaysia, has achieved great achievements in economy.

The concept of “1Malaysia” is 46 years late. And the two National Days are nearly half a century late.

We are unable to rewrite the past history but it is up to us how to write the future history.

Late, or course, is always better than none. However, compared to the “double National Day”, it is more important that whether the government is ready to make a comprehensive adjustment in policies, turn the slogan into actions and draw up new order and rules which are more transparent, rational and fair, to truly realise its commitment of “1Government, 1Policy and 1Malaysia”? (By LIM MUN FAH/Translated by SOONG PHUI JEE/Sin Chew Daily)