Ting (second left) and other local dignitaries wave the Jalur Gemilang and Sarawak flag during the hi-tea to mark the Sarawak-level National Day celebration.
MIRI: Sarawak is still awaiting reply from the Minister of Education on whether the existing history book on Malaysia could be revised or changed particularly that on the formation of Malaysia.
Piasau assemblyman Datuk Sebastian Ting said he, in his capacity as secretary-general of the Sarawak United People’s Party has written to the minister on the matter.
“Previously I have written to the Minister of Education on whether our history books can be changed to reflect the actual day of the formation of Malaysia on September 16, and Sarawak attaining self-rule on July 22, 1963 while on August 31, 1957 was the independence day for the Federated States of Malaya,” said Ting.
He was met after attending the Sarawak-level high tea to celebrate National Day held at a leading hotel here on Friday.
Sarawak was granted self-rule in 1963 before forming Malaysia with North Borneo (Sabah), Singapore and Malaya (Peninsular Malaysia) on Sept 16 that same year.
Ting added it is important that these historical facts be rectified to avoid confusion as all these years, students were taught that Malaysia attained its independence on Aug 31.
In view of such misleading facts, he said Sarawak like other states in Malaysia would also celebrate August 31 with pomp and pageantry.
Sarawak started officially celebrating July 22 as Sarawak Day three years ago.
On the Aug 31 celebration, Ting said he however shared the joy of states in Peninsular Malaysia in celebrating the National Day.
Also concurring with Ting was Mayor of Miri City, Adam Yii who stressed that as Malaysian he too shared the joy of the celebration.
“Although it is Independence Day for the Federated States of Malaya, we too share in the joy with them although historically the national independence day should be September 16”, he said.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg officiated at the celebration by putting the specially designed love sign to light up the LED screen showing the gigantic Love sign to signify this year’s celebration theme ‘Sayangi Malaysiaku’ (Love My Malaysia).
His wife Datin Patinggi Dato Juma’ani Tuanku Bujang was among over 500 people attending the high tea.