Sarawak Day celebrated first time

PATRIOTISM: July 22 commemorates establishment of first Sarawak govt

THE patriotic spirit among Sarawak folk was on full display as they gathered at Kuching Waterfront here to celebrate Sarawak Day for the first time yesterday.

July 22 was declared a public holiday in the state to commemorate the establishment of the first Sarawak government following the appointment of the state’s first chief minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Stephen Kalong Ningkan in 1963.

During the celebration, Chief Minister Tan Sri Adenan Satem said the state would not stop fighting for its rights as enshrined in the Malaysia Agreement.

“We are now claiming our rights that were given to us in 1963. It is therefore our duty to remind the Federal Government of this agreement that we have entered into. I dare say that the officials in Kuala Lumpur were not even born in 1963.”

The inaugural celebration follows the chief minister’s announcement at the Sejiwa Senada programme in April to make July 22 a public holiday for Sarawak.

The decision was made to recognise and acknowledge the sacrifices and contributions of its ancestors who fought for Sarawak’s independence from the British.

Present were Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud and wife Toh Puan Ragad Kurdi Taib, chief minister’s wife Puan Sri Jamilah Anu, and federal and state ministers.

Adenan said the Federal Government had formed a committee to work out the details on matters pertaining to the state.

“If we chose to be a part of Malaysia, it is our choice as an independent party. That is why we have entered into that agreement,” Adenen said.

The audience was treated to special performances and montages on Sarawak’s history. Sarawak Chief Minister Tan Sri Adenan Satem (third from right) at the Sarawak Day celebration in Kuching yesterday. With him are deputy chief minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg

( fourth from left) and Yang di-Pertua

Negeri Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud (second from right). Pic by Che Rani Che Din

Members of the opposition parties were also invited to the event.

Adenan said Sarawak would never leave Malaysia, by any means.

“If you advocate secession, our answer is no. Our position is no secession from Malaysia before, now and forever. Let us strive for a greater future and an equal place in the federation,” said Adenan.