Simon Tiong
SIBU: The State Reform Party (STAR) Sarawak has challenged Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Masing to move a motion in the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) against celebrating National Day, which falls on Aug 31.
STAR secretary-general Simon Tiong said this following Masing’s recent statement that Sarawakians should not celebrate National Day as it is Malaya’s independence day.
“I challenge him to move a motion in DUN that hardworking Sarawakians should work on Aug 31. We should celebrate July 22 instead, and if possible be extended to two days, that is starting from July 21.
“That is a significant date as Sarawak gained self-governance, where we had our own government,” Tiong told reporters here yesterday.
Masing was also quoted as saying that it was wrong in mindset and mathematics for Sarawakians to trumpet 61 years of Malaysia, pointing out that Malaysia only came into being in 1963.
Tiong also challenged Masing to preserve heritage sites in Durin, Kanowit, and Kapit.
“We have a lot of heritage, which are part of Sarawak’s history, and I am throwing a challenge to him on whether he can protect and preserve such heritage,” he said.
He cited the administrative office located along the Kanowit riverbank, which was built in 1852 and is now temporarily closed.
“Save that building then, you save Sarawak,” he said.
On the Pakatan Harapan (PH) federal government, Tiong said it has tried to achieve its election promises after being in power for 100 days.
“For the next 100 days, I believe that ministers should look into their power – things that they could do to bring about betterment for the people,” he added.