Celebrating 63 years of togetherness: East Malaysians share what it means to be Malaysian

KOTA KINABALU/KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 16 — Julia Chan and Arif Zikri spoke to Sabahans and Sarawakians about the meaning of Malaysia and being Malaysian. Malaysia to Sabahans encompasses not only mouthwatering food and stunning sunsets but also the intricate balance of living in a diverse federation while preserving the unique Sabahan identity.

Ahead of Malaysia Day, several Sabahans shared their perspectives on what the term "Malaysia" evokes, how being Malaysian manifests in their lives, the differences in Sabahan identity, and what Peninsular Malaysians should understand about Sabah. When hearing "Malaysia," many Sabahans think of delectable food and cultural diversity, although corruption occasionally surfaces in jest.

However, these Malaysians cherish their country's diversity and the harmonious coexistence of people from different races and cultures. Leon Kuan, a digital marketer, emphasized that Sabah is often misunderstood by West Malaysians and deserves equal respect within the Federation. Sabahans consider themselves part of a larger family while maintaining pride in their Sabahan roots, asserting that being Malaysian shouldn't necessitate abandoning one's Sabahan identity.

The Malaysian identity in Sabah is shaped by the region's diverse population and a culture of accommodation between communities. Rozzy Rajab, a 39-year-old, noted that Sabahans naturally switch between Sabah Malay and Mandarin while chatting with West Malaysians, a common occurrence in the region. Sabah's ethnic identities may be challenging for outsiders to categorize neatly, as people from West Malaysia are often viewed through racial lenses.