KUCHING: Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian has called on all Sarawakians, regardless of their location, to unite and celebrate Sarawak Independence Day on July 22 each year.
He said it is important to celebrate this significant day in a way that honours the identity of being a Sarawakian.
“July 22 is for all ‘anak-anak Sarawak’ to come together no matter where you are because only ‘anak-anak Sarawak’ will celebrate Sarawak Independence Day.
“It is a day for us to celebrate in our own ways, remembering that we are ‘Anak Sarawak’.
“So happy Sarawak Independence Day, ohh haa!,” he said in his 2024 Sarawak Day message recorded by Sarawak Public Communication Unit.
Dr Sim, who is also the Public Health, Housing and Local Government Minister in a Facebook post said July 22 is a public holiday only in Sarawak.
“The late and former chief minister Pehin Sri Adenan Satem did not declare the public holiday for you to sleep in today.
“But it is for every Sarawakian, no matter where you are in the world, to celebrate it in your own way.
“If Sarawakian don’t bother to celebrate, who shall celebrate?,” said Dr Sim.
Today marks the 61st anniversary of Sarawak Independence Day.
In 2016, Adenan declared July 22 a public holiday for Sarawak to honour past leaders who sacrificed for the state’s independence.
