KUCHING: State leaders have been called on to continue pursuing what is due to Sarawak and pushing for the fulfilment of promises.
State Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) chairman Baru Bian said in a statement for Malaysia Day that it is the people’s hope that discussions for autonomy are not just rhetoric.
Baru quoted former prime minister Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj who said, “that one of the principal objectives was to further the economic development of the Borneo Territories so that their standards of living and technical skills might be raised, and a firm basis provided for accelerated economic growth, … so that the gap between a relatively backward state and the advanced would be narrowed and not widened”.
Since the 2010 declaration of Malaysia Day as a public holiday, he said many Sarawakians have begun taking an interest in how Malaysia was formed, and the part played by North Borneo (Sabah) and Sarawak.
“Sarawak and Sabah became equal partners with Malaya and Singapore in the formation of the Federation of Malaysia on Sept 16, 1963,” he pointed out.
“It is important that we acknowledge our actual history and honour it, instead of buying into a manufactured story. Understanding our history helps to unite us in our common identity as Sarawakians, and gives us a clearer sense of the purpose of our forefathers.”
Baru said every one must understand why the formation of Malaysia was agreed to, the factors at play, and what transpired during negotiations to chart a clear course for Sarawak.
He pointed out that Malaysia was built on the foundation of the Federal Constitution, which established the social contract amongst the various peoples.
He highlighted issues with the Syariah Courts (Criminal Jurisdiction) Act and the removal of Section 88A of the bill to amend the Law Reform (Marriage and Divorce).
“In Sarawak, we are observing the events with distaste with alarm. At the same time, we are asking for our rightful share of our resources and development. In every aspect of progress, we are lagging behind – be it infrastructure, healthcare, educational facilities, economic development, etc, we are at least 20 years behind,” he said.
He called on Sarawakians of all races and ethnic groups to never lose their spirit of togetherness.
“Let us continue to work and pray for a better Malaysia, as envisioned by our forefathers. The commemoration of Malaysia Day will only become truly meaningful if we can fulfil the hopes and aspirations they had in their hearts when they made the decision to become equal partners in the federation to be called Malaysia.
“Imagine the pride and joy we will feel on that day when we can say that we have made their dreams, and ours, come true. Although it may appear to be a mammoth task, nothing is impossible, and I hope that in the near future, we will be able to honour this day, and the departed ones who made it happen, in a truly joyful, exuberant and jubilant celebration.”