KUCHING: 22nd July, 1963 was a meaningful date for all Sarawakians in their effort to chart their own future as an independence and sovereign society. This was pointed out by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi (Dr) Abang Johari Tun Openg when officiating at this year’s Sarawak Independence Day celebration held at Celebration Square, Jalan Stadium, Petrajaya, near here, yesterday. “The State government’s effort to emphasise 22nd July is meant to encourage Sarawakians to stay united to ensure that Sarawak can be on par with other developed states.
Besides, it is also to protect and fight for Sarawak’s rights as one of the founding countries that formed Malaysia. “Initially Sarawak was quite satisfied that what Malaysia promised was being fulfilled and Sarawak’s security against hostile neighbours and internal threats were secured with the help of Malaya and Commonwealth countries. “But along the way, intentionally or otherwise, Sarawak’s rights were infringed without Sarawakians being aware of it and this of course has brought about much dissatisfaction to the people of Sarawak.
“We strongly believe that the erosion of power must be rectified and settled amicably through negotiation because discontentment is not healthy for the overall wellbeing of Malaysia,” Johari pointed out. Meanwhile, Johari also noted that with the new government in Putrajaya, Sarawak will continue to strengthen relationship with the present Federal government to ensure that Sarawak gets the development it deserves.
He also said that the recent visit by Prime Minister Tun Datuk Patinggi Dr Mahathir Mohamad to Kuching was a testimony that the Sarawak government is able to develop a strong working relationship with the Federal government even though it is not on the same political platform. “Sarawak needs the continuous attention of the Federal government to ensure unhampered development for the sake of the people of Sarawak,” he said.
He also pointed out that the idea of exiting Malaysia is not relevant as being in Malaysia does not mean that Sarawak cannot ask for its legal rights based on the Malaysia Agreement 1963 and the constitution. “I believe now with our political independence through the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), we have a better and stronger platform to voice our opinion freely to protect the interests of Sarawak and its people,” Johari said.
Also present were Head of the State Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud and his wife Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Ragad Kurdi Taib, Deputy Chief Ministers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan and other distinguished guests.
