Patriotic spirit: (From left) Jonathin, Chan, Kelvin and Sun preparing to celebrate Malaysia Day at St Nicholas Home. — ZHAFARAN NASIB/ The Star
GEORGE TOWN: This Malaysia Day will be the first time that partially blind Chan Yung Sheng is not celebrating the occasion with his family in Sabah.
Now working as an intern at the St Nicholas Home cafe, Chan said he would still call his family in Tawau on Saturday to commemorate the event.
“In the past, I would celebrate Malaysia Day by gathering with my family for a feast. Sometimes, we would visit the beaches in Semporna.
“This year, however, it will be a bit different as I’m far away from them. I will call them on Saturday, though.
“For me, Malaysia Day is important in terms of our nation’s history.
“We should all remember this auspicious day and celebrate it with our loved ones,” he said.
Chan, 21, hopes that all Malaysians will not forget how the country’s forefathers fought for and built Malaysia, and that they should protect the nation’s independence with their hearts and soul.
Fellow Sabahan Kelvin Makupi, 23, said he would usually celebrate the day with his family and friends back in Kota Marudu.
“It is not just like any other public holiday. This is an important occasion for all Malaysians.
“I have been in Penang for a year and I will join my friends here to celebrate it on Saturday,” he said.
Sarawakian Sun Wan Ting, 29, said last year, she celebrated Malaysia Day by participating in activities organised by the visually-impaired associations in her hometown of Kuching.
“We had a fun hike in the morning and gathered at a friend’s house for a barbeque at night,” said the IT instructor, who has no plans yet for Saturday.
“Maybe I will round up some of my friends and go for a nice meal. We can talk all about the celebrations back home,” she added.
Jonathin Makadang, 25, who has been at the home for the past year, said he would usually celebrate the event with his friends at a karaoke joint in Kudat.
“We would sing patriotic songs and chat. It’s good bonding for us,” he said.
