S4S group leader puzzled at first approval of permit for gathering
KUCHING: Sarawak for Sarawakians ( S4S) group leader Peter John Jaban said he was surprised that the state police approved the permit for today’s Solidariti Rakyat Sarawak Isu Petronas peaceful gathering at the Kuching Waterfront, within a day from submission of application.
He said normally they would have to wait for days for police approval but in this case it took him less than a day to get the permit yesterday.
“I thank the Kuching police chief ACP Ng Ah Lek and his department for their fast consideration. We will reciprocate by following all the rules,” he said.
He advised members and sympathisers of S4S to be decent and not to be unruly and disturb the peace at Kuching Waterfront.
He also urged those taking part in the gathering to park their cars properly and not to obstruct traffic flow, dispose all rubbish at the approved site and follow all instructions imposed by the event coordinators.
“The only thing that is different now is that the brand name S4S will be changed to SAS ( being Solidariti Anak Sarawak),” explained Peter John.
He said the S4S had been weakened following the split when groups followed different political ideologies.
When asked to explain, Peter said members of Sarawak United People’s Party ( SUPP) and Democratic Action Party ( DAP) could not see eye to eye while he would like the S4S remain apolitical, which prompted him to change the brand name.
“SAS will be an umbrella body for several smaller Sarawak rights movement,” he said.
Among other Sarawak rights movement which are non-political are Sons of Sarawak ( SOS), Sarawak for Sarawakians ( S4S), Saya Anak Sarawak, 722 Group and Sarawak Aspirations People Association ( Sapa).
The gathering to lend support to the state government in its struggle to retain ownership of oil and gas will start at 9am and end at 9.30am today (June 12).