Actors in a scene of a stage play on ‘Anti-Cession Movement’.
A performance that portrays the struggles and emotions during the Japanese Occupation.
KUCHING: The inaugural celebration of Sarawak Day is a success, but Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem wishes that a reference to the Inter-Governmental Committee Report, Malaysia Agreement and Malaysia Act could have been mentioned during a special performance staged to commemorate the history of Sarawak.
The show touched on Sarawak being one of Brunei’s territories, the reign of the White Rajahs under the Brooke family which lasted a century, the Japanese Occupation, Anti-Cession Movement and eventually, Sarawak’s independence.
Adenan’s official address pointed out that it was vital to inform Sarawakians why the state became a part of Malaysia.
“We have just been related to the history of Sarawak, from the time of the Brunei Sultanate to almost the present day. But the part that was not mentioned, which I wish could have (been) mentioned, was the Inter-Governmental Committee and the Malaysia Agreement,” he said at the Sarawak Day celebration in Kuching Waterfront here yesterday, where the opening ceremony was officiated at by Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud.
“It is by way of an agreement between the United Kingdom, Federation of Malaya, North Borneo (Sabah), Singapore and Sarawak, that Sarawak became a part of Malaysia,” said Adenan, adding that it was not a transfer of territory of the British to the Malayan authority.
“That agreement (Malaysia Agreement 1963) cannot be amended even by the Constitution because it is an international treaty between sovereignties.
“So the amended Malaysia Agreement will be unconstitutional because it defines other parties which are not subject to our Parliament.”
Met by journalists after the showcase, Batu Lintang assemblyman See Chee How described the event as ‘very significant’ because “this is the first time we celebrate Sarawak Day.”
“Like what the chief minister had highlighted, I think the important thing is for Sarawakians to stand together to make this day more significant and meaningful.
“Sarawak should have more resources and enjoy what the state deserves for its progress and future development,” he said.
Earlier, Adenan said he ‘deliberatedly invited’ opposition members to be present at the celebration because ‘we are all together – the government and the opposition, in fighting for our rights as Sarawakians’.
See said he was the only elected representative from PKR attending the do because assemblymen Baru Bian (Ba Kelalan) and Ali Biju (Krian) had commitment in their respective constituencies.
“We got very short notice for this. Anyway, they (Baru and Ali) want to be here as well. DAP guys were here.”
Bandar Kuching MP and Kota Sentosa assemblyman Chong Chieng Jen – also state DAP chairman – was seen seated together with his comrades Padungan assemblyman Wong King Wei, Violet Yong (Pending) and David Wong (Pelawan).