Cobbold John Lusoi
KUCHING: Sarawak Day is not just a patriotic celebration, but is also a symbol of Sarawak nationalism when Sarawakians are truly united against colonisation, say several key Dayak political and community figures.
Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak Baru president Cobbold John Lusoi regards July 22 as ‘a day of great significance’ because it was when Sarawak was granted self-governance by the British colonial government back in 1963.
He believes that this year’s celebration is even more significant because the people are now fully aware of Sarawak’s autonomous rights under the Malaysian Agreement 1963 (MA63).
“Sarawakians are looking forward to the restoration of Sarawak’s autonomous rights, which should be in accordance with the provisions under the MA63.
“This is the proudest moment for all Sarawakians to regain their rights as how a secular nation supposed to be, with democracy and equal partnership as how the formation of Malaysia came about originally,” he said in a recent statement.
Cobbold said his expectation from this annual event would be to not only creating ‘that historic impact’, but also educating the younger generation better and developing Sarawak’s own economic growth.
Austin Dimin
He stressed that the most important thing would be to celebrate the unity amidst the multi-ethnicity in Sarawak, ‘as one unified Sarawakian race’.
In his remarks, Bidayuh Temenggong for Kuching Division Austin Dimin said Sarawak Day should have been declared as a public holiday long time ago, due to its significance in Sarawak’s history.
“This annual event should be celebrated across Sarawak, especially in all the major towns, with the participation of Sarawakians of all races and religions – including the students.
“This day is the pride and honour of my fellow ‘anak-anak Sarawak’ (children of Sarawak),” he said.
Meanwhile, political observer Datuk Peter Minos opined that celebrating Sarawak Day should not make Sarawakians to be regarded as being less patriotic to Malaysia.
He exemplified this situation through an exchange with his friend from Kuala Lumpur, who had asked him why the need for Sarawak Day when there was already National Day on Aug 31, and Malaysia Day on Sept 16.
“Well, obviously he does not know the significance of July 22 – the day that marked Sarawak’s independence from British rule.
Datuk Peter Minos
“Sarawakians cherish this special day of freedom, of finally breaking away after 122 years under British colonial rule. It’s a day of liberty and thus, a day deserving rejoice, so there is nothing unusual or abnormal about it.”
Moreover, Minos believed that Sarawakians genuinely love Malaysia and are proud to be Malaysians. “We are happy to be a part of the big family of Malaysia. Nobody should have any doubt about it.
“Malaysia is our home. If attacked by enemies, Sarawakians would come forward to defend her. Many Sarawakians in the Armed Forces sacrificed their lives to safeguard Malaysia.”
However, Minos said for many valid reasons, Sarawak is only asking for more attention and understanding from the federal government to achieve its desire to grow and progress – economically and socially.
“Sarawak needs more federal funds to do so because we need to catch up with Peninsular Malaysia in all fields and aspects,” he added.