KOTA KINABALU: Universiti Malaysia Sabah senior lecturer Marja Azlima said this year’s Malaysia Day was overshadowed by floods and landslides that killed 13 in Papar, Penampang and Kolombong, exposing failures in planning and preparedness.
“Freedom is not just independence from colonial rule. It is the freedom to live without fear of displacement or death from preventable disasters, the freedom to enjoy safe housing, reliable infrastructure, and to trust that the government will safeguard its people,” she said.
She urged Malaysia Day to serve as a call to action for stronger disaster preparedness, resilient infrastructure and accountability, warning that otherwise it risks becoming an empty gesture.
