SERIAN: The history of Sarawak is proposed to be included in the History (Sejarah) subject in the future. According to Minister of Education, Science and Technological Research Dato Sri Michael Manyin Jawong, the proposal was planned for the time being with the drafting of the History subject. “However, the suggestion to include Sarawak history in the History subject is not yet implemented.
“Therefore, we will forward the proposal to the implementing agency once again,” he said. Manyin was speaking to reporters after officiating at the Serian Division Level Sarawak Independence Day Celebration at the Serian Community Park in Serian yesterday.
According to him, Sarawak gained independence from the British on July 22, 1963 before becoming one of the entities that formed Malaysia. “Sarawak is not a state but a joint entity together with Sabah, Singapore and Malaya to form Malaysia. “Therefore, the 1963 Malaysian Agreement (MA63) must be followed and respected by Malaya (now Peninsular Malaysia),” he explained.
Following that, Manyin added that Sarawak is seeking to claim the rights that are eradicated or have been eroded from the Federal Government including 20 per cent of oil and gas royalties.
“Hence, over 55 years of Sarawak rights were eroded; we as the State Government want to re-claim them for the sake of the people of this state,” he said.
A total of 500 participants followed the 2.5 km independence run around Serian town. Also held were light exercise, dancing, declamation of poems of independence and lucky draws. Also present were Kedup State Assemblyman Martin Ben; Bukit Semuja Assemblyman John Ilus and Serian Resident’s Office Social Unit Head Joseph Liaw.
