I refer to the letter by Uncle Yap and the article by Sim Kwang Yang . Both have rather interesting points of view and highlight a number of common misunderstandings regarding the nature of Malaysia as we approach our Independence Day.

But I must disagree with Yap's assertion that Sabah and Sarawak 'joined' Malaysia just like Alaska and Hawaii joined the United States of America. In fact, there are many essential differences in both form and substance.

On Sept 16, 1963, Malaya, Sabah, Sarawak and Singapore joined together to form Malaysia. However, many in the Peninsula saw Malaysia Day as simply an addition of three new states to the existing federation of 11.

Indeed, a number of parallels can be drawn to the US experience: the adaptation of an existing federal flag, the modification of an existing federal constitution and the addition of members to an existing federal parliament. However, there are important differences between the formation of Malaysia and the expansion of the United States.

Indeed, Aug 31 is Merdeka Day for all Malaysians (it's just that this year is the 50th Merdeka for the peninsular states and only the 44th for Sabah and Sarawak).

Furthermore, Yap fails to recognise that the status of Sabah and Sarawak are actually quite different from the individual peninsular states. While Alaska and Hawaii joined the United States on par with the existing states, Sabah and Sarawak have actually far more autonomy than any peninsular state.

Not many people in the Peninsula recognise the fact that both Sabah and Sarawak have their own state cabinet complete with state-level ministries. These cabinets have far more autonomy than the state executive councils of the peninsular states.

If it wasn't for the British, Sabah and Sarawak would have far greater affinity with Indonesian Borneo than with the Peninsular states. Also, geographically Sabah and Sarawak are far larger than any single peninsular state. Combined, Sabah and Sarawak are larger than all the 11 peninsular states put together.

But perhaps above all, demographics clearly set East and West Malaysia apart. While the Malays dominate the Peninsula, they are a minority race in Sabah and Sarawak. In this regard, I would agree with Sim that KL's insistence that Aug 31, 2007 is the Malaysia's 50th birthday is an example of 'post-colonial colonialism'.

Let's all rejoice in Merdeka, but give Malaysia Day the recognition it deserves.