Sarawak is what it’s today due to 3 critical decisions made when it helped form Malaysia
Yang Di-Pertua Negeri Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud looking through the special edition pictorial book ‘Colours of Harmony & Prosperity’ while (from left) Land Development Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar James Masing, Jabu, Adenan and Second Finance Minister Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh look on. — Photo by by Muhd Rais Sanusi
KUCHING: Chief Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Adenan Satem believes that the people of Sarawak has made three critical decisions 51 years ago with regard to their future.
“Firstly, we were no longer content to be a subject in the British Empire. We wanted our country back. Most importantly we didn’t win our independence through bloodshed or revolution.
“Secondly, we decided in favour to being a party to the formation of a new federation. We realised with communist threats and hostile neighbours, we could not be on our own in those circumstances. Malaysia was the only option then.
“And thirdly, we agreed to the formation of the new federation with the privileges and conditions to protect the rights of Sarawak. These three decisions made us what we are today,” he said at the ceremony to commemorate July 22 and appreciate the people’s support for the celebration of Sarawak’s 50 years of Independence in Malaysia (Majlis Memperingati 22 Julai & Penghargaan Sambutan Perayaan 50 Tahun Sarawak Merdeka Dalam Malaysia) last night.
He pointed out that the state had come a long way since its independence and the formation of Malaysia.
“There is bound to be misunderstanding or conflict but we can work it out as we have worked it out before.
“We have survived and prospered through the times and this is the time to seek for a better union. We should seek unity in our diversity as we go along and face the future and hope that there will be continued peace and harmony.
“In the face of disasters that are hitting our nation, we should unite and stand behind our leaders. We should stand behind our prime minister in seeking justice for those who have perished.
“It is not a time to politicise national tragedies. I hope we will continue to have peace and prosperity for a greater future for the young generations,” he said.
Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu reminded the younger generation to remember Sarawak’s independence and how it was achieved through dedication, unity and understanding.
“Many youths do not know (the significance of) July 22. They believe that Sarawak was independent when we joined Malaysia. However, they must remember without Sarawak there is no Malaysia.
“For the past one year, we have held many activities at the divisional and state levels to celebrate this historic date.
“We hope the younger generation will remember to uphold Sarawak’s stability so that future generations will continue to reap the benefits,” he said.
One of the colourful cultural performances at the event last night. — Bernama photo
A video presentation on Sarawak’s history leading up to its independence. — Bernama photo
Second Finance Minister Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh, who is also the minister in charge of yesterday’s event, highlighted some of the events that had been organised to commemorate the state’s independence 51 years ago.
He said: “On 22nd July last year, a chapter of history was re-enacted at Kuching Waterfront. It was a scene showing the British Governor of Sarawak Sir Alexander Waddell on his boat with his wife. They were escorted be several decorated boats from the Astana to Pangkalan Batu for the farewell ceremony.
“Sir Alexander Waddell and his wife were received by Governor-elect Datuk Abang Openg and Chief Minister Stephen Kalong Ningkan, cabinet ministers and several high ranking officials.
“After the Union Jack was lowered and the Sarawak State Flag hoisted, Waddell and his wife left Sarawak on a Lock Killisport boat. Their departure marked the end of the British colonial rule in Sarawak.”
Also re-enacted, Wong added, was the swearing-in ceremony of the pioneer batch of State Cabinet ministers. He mentioned that the formation of the State Cabinet on July 22 enabled the state to form a self-ruled government that paved the way for the formation of Malaysia on Sept 16, 1963.
In this regards, he pointed out that July 22 together with Sept 16 must be well remembered and commemorated.
Gracing last night’s event were Yang Di-Pertua Negeri Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud and his wife Toh Puan Ragad Kurdi Taib, Adenan’s wife Puan Sri Dato Jamilah Anu, Jabu’s wife Dato Sri Empiang, Land Development Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Masing and other state cabinet ministers. Also present wase state secretary Tan Sri Datuk Amar Morshidi Ghani.
A special edition pictorial book titled ‘Colours of Harmony & Prosperity’ chronicling the activities leading up to Sarawak’s 50 years of independence celebration was also launched.