KUCHING: Sarawakians have been called on to understand the significance of July 22.
Pantai Damai assemblyman Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi said the date is significant because that was when in 1963 the last British governor handed over Sarawak’s leadership to the late Tan Sri Datuk Amar Stephen Kalong Ningkan — the state’s first chief minister.
“The next governor, the late Tun Abang Haji Openg was appointed on Sept 15 the same year, and the following day marks the birth of a new nation when Sabah, Sarawak, Singapore and Malaya together formed Malaysia,” said Dr Abdul Rahman during an Aidilfitri gathering for Telaga Air villages yesterday.
He pointed out that July 22 was the day the first state cabinet was formed signifying a self-governing administration.
“Therefore, it is wrong to say that Sarawak is just a state in Malaysia when in fact it is an equal partner in the formation of Malaysia. Without us, there would be no Malaysia,” he said.
Dr Abdul Rahman backed Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem’s call for the importance of July 22 to be acknowledged and for greater understanding of history to stop it from being altered or misinterpreted by certain parties.
“While we acknowledge the call for greater autonomy for Sarawak, we should not be easily influenced by some calls to secede,” he said.
He pointed that the state government would focus on economic development, education and bridging the rural-urban gap.
“Continue what we have today and be thankful for what this country has given us. We also ought to fight to ensure peace and harmony among the people,” he said.