Politicians cross the political divide to stand together to commemorate Sarawak Day
Sarawakians waving Jalur Gemilang and Sarawak flags. The state will celebrate Sarawak Day today for the first time as a public holiday. The holiday is in remembrance of the struggles and sacrifices of past state leaders as well as the attainment of self-governance on July 22, 1963.
KUCHING: The State Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) rejoices and celebrates with all Sarawakians in welcoming the historic Sarawak Day today.
Its chairman Baru Bian said that after 53 years, Sarawakians finally have a day to call their own, and the party congratulated the Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem for the courageous move to recognise a day to commemorate the beginning of a modern Sarawak.
“This day has been a long time coming. Many Malaysians, and indeed Sarawakians, are unaware of the rich history of Sarawak, and of the events that led to the coming together of Sarawak, the former North Borneo (now Sabah), Singapore and Malaya to form the Federation of Malaysia.
“We are united with the government in ensuring that the devolution of power becomes a reality, and we wish all Sarawakians a Happy Sarawak Day,” he said in a press statement yesterday.
Baru, who is Ba Kelalan assemblyman, said he was gratified that Sarawakians have come to appreciate the state’s history and realize that the current administration of the country and the division of resources and so on between Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah and Sarawak leaves much to be desired.
“We are therefore glad that there is now a unifying force in Sarawak, such as a common pride in our own unique identity, history, culture and tradition that sets us apart from our Federation partners, while at the same time, a recognition that we belong in a federation that is meant to be mutually beneficial to all parties.
“There is a steely determination to speak up to regain and protect our rights and interests regardless of our race, religion and political leanings.”
Baru stated that Sarawak Day is especially significant as this year also marks the dawn of a maturing Sarawak, and if the push for the autonomy of Sarawak as a partner within the Federation should be successful eventually, Sarawak Day will be celebrated with even more jubilation in the years to come.