By Amyra Varkisa & Lee Shaw Wei
EXACTLY 59 years ago today, on July 22, 1963, Sarawak established self-governance and statehood but it was only 53 years later in 2016 that Sarawak Day was announced as a public holiday.
To celebrate this day and to raise public awareness of the state’s past, several state leaders, be they in the government or the opposition, have uttered various expressions of hope, wisdom and just plain old good wishes.
The day should always be remembered by all Sarawakians as the date marked the emergence of the state as a recognised entity, first as an independent country and later as a partner in the Federation of Malaysia. Also, the date gives honour to past leaders who sacrificed a lot for the state’s independence.
SHAFIEE AHMAD
Daro assemblyman
July 22 is very important and historic because it is the date of Sarawak’s independence before Malaysia was formed. My hope is that everyone should appreciate it because of the struggles of the people in the past. We can enjoy life now in peace and prosperity because of them. So, let us celebrate the day to remember, appreciate and reflect on our achievements. Let’s play our roles to help Sarawak become a developed state by 2030.
DATUK SNOWDAN LAWAN
Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak
Sarawak Day is redemption day. We all should know that on this day we recognised with pride that Sarawak became a country, that we began ruling ourselves instead of being colonised. Therefore, get this into our minds and be proud of it. Don’t allow others to manipulate our fate and destiny. We have the brains, resources, and soul to transform ourselves and not be dictated to by anyone. This is the day we redeem ourselves, forging ahead vigorously. Therefore, be strong, bold, and firm. Speak out your thoughts bravely, stand by your ideas and defend your principles. This must be instilled across in every stratum of our society from our pre-school children to our youth, parents, administrators, politicians, and our top leaders. Embrace this spirit, not only on Sarawak Day but any day.
VIOLET YONG WUI WUI
Pending Assemblywoman
I wish every Sarawakian a Happy Sarawak Day. This is a proud day for every one of us. I wish that all Sarawakians, regardless of race, culture or beliefs, can continue to live in harmony and respect each other’s culture. I hope we can continue to ensure that we will not have any extremist policy like what we have seen elsewhere. I hope that the state government — today in the hands of GPS — will treat all races fairly and give equal opportunities in terms of funding, education, scholarships, jobs, and inclusion in the state civil service.
DATUK SERI FATIMAH ABDULLAH
Minister for Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Sarawak
I hope Sarawak continue to prosper economically and socially so that people can live decently, harmoniously and peacefully irrespective of racial or religious differences. And may our women have the resilience, agility, resourcefulness, innovativeness, and steadfastness as the backbone of the family unit, to face various challenges.
CHRISTOPHER GIRA SAMBANG
Tamin Assemblyman
We are celebrating Sarawak’s 59th year if independence. I urge Sarawakians to remember this date and spend time celebrating with friends and families, and hopefully our future generations will carry it into the future. Sarawak has a vision to be a developed state in Malaysia by 2030. However, due to the global pandemic, we may not reach this goal. Therefore, the state government has come up with initiatives, namely, the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030). Under the PCDS 2030, I am confident that we can hit our target.
SENATOR ROBERT LAU
Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) Bawang Assan branch chairman
I wish all Sarawakians a Happy Sarawak Day. July 22, 1963 marked the day Sarawak achieved self-government following a general election. It is an important and constant reminder to continue safeguarding our position in Malaysia. The significant event last year was the amendment to Article 1 (2) and Article 160 of the federal constitution to recognise the Sarawak and Sabah as equal partners with Malaya in the Federation of Malaysia, and amending the word “federation” to the Federation of Malaysia Agreement 1963 instead of Federation of Malaya 1957. We shall continue to protect, defend and further the interest of Sarawak within Malaysia politically, economically, and financially in accordance with the Malaysia Agreement 1963.
CHONG CHIENG JEN
Padungan Assemblyman
I hope that the lives of the Sarawakians get better. People are now suffering due to high inflation and the almost stagnant economy. I’ve visited shops and markets and noticed that businesses are bad. So, I hope that the economy will turn around so that the people can have a better and equitable share of our natural resources. You have heard about billions and billions of ringgit that the government has spent and will spend, but many people are still suffering economically. So, I want to see the people get their share of our rich natural resources.
ANYI JANA
Ngemah Assemblyman
We, especially the new generation, should appreciate the contributions of our past leaders who fought for the rights and independence of Sarawak. Other than July 22, 1963 the younger generation should also understand and remember two other important dates — August 31, 1957 and September 16, 1963. Understanding these important dates can stimulate the younger generation to maintain peace in Sarawak. Sarawakians should stand together and contribute to the progress of their state. Besides that, the harmony and unity of the people must be maintained and nurtured. Happy Sarawak Day to all Sarawakians.
