‘Peaceful MA63 Solidarity’ rally at Padang Merdeka attracts over a hundred supporters

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A section of people who attend the gathering at Padang Merdeka, with banners depicting the late Pehin Sri Adenan Satem and quotes attributed to him. The banner on the right reads, “Take care of Sarawak”. 

KUCHING: Over a hundred people turned up for the ‘Peaceful MA63 Solidarity’ rally to show support for Sarawak’s rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) at Padang Merdeka here today.

Tupong assemblyman Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman, former Padungan assemblyman Dominic Ng and Sarawak State Reform Party (STAR) were also present.

When met by reporters, Fazzrudin said he had come because he felt this was his “responsibility Sarawakian” and found that the gathering had been permitted by the police.

He, however, said he did not come in his capacity as a politician or as an elected assemblyman or as Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) deputy youth chief.

“I am here as a Sarawakian to show my support for this peaceful and legal gathering and to show our seriousness in defending Sarawak’s rights under MA63.

“This peaceful gathering shows that when it comes to protecting Sarawak’s rights, we can go beyond political divide, race and religion,” he said.

The gathering was unique, probably the first to ever happen in Malaysia in a way that Christian, Buddhist and Islamic prayers were recited to seek blessings for the event and Sarawakians at large.

Sarawak’s old and new national anthem – Fair Land Sarawak and Ibu Pertiwiku – were sang after the prayers.

Organised by a group calling themselves Kelab Kesetiaan Sarawak, the peaceful gathering aims to promote the importance of defending and reclaiming Sarawak’s rights through the proper channels.

There were speeches on issues related to MA63, followed by a pledge of solidarity on Sarawak’s rights under MA63.

Together, those who were present pledged: “With this we, Sarawakians, promise for the sake of Sarawakians and Beloved Sarawak will always be united in defending the Sarawak Constitution and the constitutional rights of Sarawak irrespective of our religious and ethnic backgrounds as long as the universe exists”.