100 turn up at Sarawak Day gathering, convoy at Miri Civic Centre
MIRI: About 100 people came for the ‘ 722 Independence Day’ gathering and Sarawak Day convoy at Miri Civic Centre yesterday – a rather low turnout, says one of the co- organisers.
The event, jointly organised by Sarawak for Sarawakians ( S4S) movement and Sarawak Dayak Association (Pedas) – Miri branch, aimed to educate the public about the significance of July 22 in Sarawak history.
“People may only know that today (yesterday) is a public holiday for Sarawak and for them, nothing else matters. Therefore, our gathering here is mainly to spread the words on the importance of learning more about this special day in 1963, when the state first attained its self-governance,” said one of the co- organisers, Ngieng Chew Seng of S4S Miri.
He said although the gathering had a rather slow start at the assembly point, it soon gathered momentum as the convoy of over 40 vehicles – each bearing old Sarawak flags – passed Senadin, Permyjaya, Emart and Taman Tunku.
“Gradually, we see more supporters along the way on our way to the final stop at Canada Hill.
“Of course, similar gatherings kicked off simultaneously in Kuching, Sibu and Bintulu where we believe that the crowds are larger there.”
Meanwhile, Pedas representative Samuel Suring said the organisers were delighted to see the attendance of many youths at the gathering.
“We still have a long way when it comes to educating the people – both young and old — about Sarawak Day, but it should not just stop here. We are taking this one step at a time, and I am sure that it would be better in time,” he said.