KUCHING: Hopes for a better future for all Sarawakians is the hallmark of this year’s Sarawak Day, which is being celebrated with a sense of relief, gratitude and excitement.
This year’s Sarawak Day is certainly special and more meaningful post Covid-19 pandemic which saw a shutdown in celebration during the last two years.
As such, Sarawakians regardless of racial or religious background are optimistic of their future and are expressing their moments of relief and joy during the celebration.
New Sarawak Tribune has spoken to some of our locals about the excitement felt celebrating Sarawak Day and their aspirations for Sarawak’s future.
ASHLEY TAN SIA KHOON, 21
Student
I hope for a better improvement in the healthcare system in the future and more events regarding our culture to promote this wonderful state so future generations may understand and know more about their culture, either via traditional music, dance or language. They should also experience better healthcare facilities. These changes would be able to impact foreigners and locals who stay and visit Sarawak.
NATALIE TANIA JES, 18
Student
I hope to see more hospitals in the rural areas so that people who live in rural areas will experience a much easier form of transport to the nearest hospitals. I wish to see Sarawak’s companies improve and grow as well.
ELEORA SUTAI ABELL, 17
Student
I hope Sarawak will finally be developed and progressive, and being used to our full potential. That we would no longer be seen as weak but strong and a people of many cultures. I would like to see Sarawak be brought to a higher level and be globally renowned. No longer just a place of resource but a place of hope.
ANGELLIE MYRA EDMAN, 21
Student
I hope Sarawak will continue to advance economically with improved transportation and infrastructure. I also hope that Sarawak will continue to live in a much more peaceful and harmonious environment.
JASPER TEFULLY, 17
Student
I hope to see Sarawak with high-level technology – advance like Black Panther’s Wakanda, this is my hope for Sarawak’s future. Happy Sarawak Day!
DEBRA MARIE, 25
Executive Officer
My hope for Sarawak is to be a much more communal community compared with West Malaysia. It helps us to have a sense of belonging and makes our community stronger in diversity and unity. I also hope that Sarawak’s local products can go global as there are a lot of Sarawakians living in different countries around the world and this will help them buy Sarawakian products internationally. May Sarawak’s local delicacies reach the global stage as well.
DILLON LUKESH MANOGARAN, 25
Store Technician
The government has done a tonne for the state and the people. As for the future, I have high hopes for highways with several projects to be ready so that our people can commute between cities and villages. We believe the government will expedite the process of constructing the highways. I also believe that family and culture have and will always be important to the heart of Sarawakians.
