July 22 holds great significance for Sarawakians as it marks a pivotal moment in their history.
On this day in 1963, Sarawak emerged as a nation, marking the birth of a new era and a proud identity for its people.
Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nasar is a walking encyclopaedia on Sarawak’s history, the formation of Malaysia and the legislative processes that uphold Sarawak’s rights in accordance with the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
His journey in public service began 45 years ago when he was elected as ADUN for Kuala Rajang.
In 1995, he was appointed as the Deputy Speaker then five years later he became the Speaker.
Throughout his career, Mohamad Asfia has been a steadfast advocate for the principles outlined in the MA63, ensuring that Sarawak’s unique status and rights are preserved and respected within Malaysia.
As Sarawak Tribune explores the significance of Sarawak Day and historical context of Sarawak’s nationhood, Mohamad Asfia’s perspectives provided a rich understanding on why this day is so
important for Sarawakians.
His insights helped illuminate the past struggles and achievements that have shaped Sarawak’s present and how it will continue to influence the state’s future.
Sarawak Tribune: What does Sarawak Day mean to you?
Mohamad Asfia: Sarawak Day does not mean much to those who do not know the history of Southeast Asia and Sarawak. For Sarawakians especially the younger generation, they must know and understand the history and background.
Politics without history has no roots; history without politics bears no fruit. Therefore, one must know yesterday’s history in order to understand and appreciate today’s politics.
So, we have to go back to the days of the British Empire. The British Empire believed in their invincibility and impregnability. There were two sayings: the empire in which the sun never sets and Britannia rules the waves which means the empire goes on forever.
However, there were two events after World War II that torpedoed the British Empire –the rise of nationalism and spread of global communism.
When Lord George Nathaniel Curzon was the Viceroy of India, he saw the rise of nationalism against British. He was succeeded by Lord Louis Mountbatten and by that time, India was fighting for independence under Mohandas Gandhi and Jawaharlal Behru. During this period,
we also saw Indonesia gaining its independence from the Dutch and independence of British colonies in Malaya, Singapore, and Borneo territories.
With independence comes the communist threats and there was every danger that these independent nations will become communists. So, the British helped these newly independent nations to deal with communist threats.
I want to emphasise one important point to the people of Sarawak and Malaysia which is none of the colonies liberated each other or one another. As such, Malaya did not liberate Sarawak because each of the colonies had its own problems.
There was communist insurgency in Malaya and Singapore. Sarawak faced military incursion from Kalimantan while Sabah received threats from the Philippines and revolution broke out in Brunei. Each of these newly independent colony faced threats from within and the communists,
therefore they did not liberate each other.
On July 22 to September 16 in 1963, Sarawak was a nation. What does that mean?
It means a defined territory with a landmass, continental shelf, seabed, subsoil, sea and airspace. As a nation, Sarawak had a government, permanent population that is not migratory, constitution, head of state, and system of laws.
In short, the Sarawakians are a definite people. That is what I mean by a nation and that is what July 22 means to the people of Sarawak.
Why is it important for Sarawakians to remember and celebrate Sarawak Day?
It is crucial for Sarawakians to remember and celebrate Sarawak Day
because it marks the birth of their nation. As I mentioned earlier, without this recognition, Sarawak would not be considered a nation.
When Sarawak signed the Malaysia Agreement in 1963, it did so not as a colony but as a nation alongside Malaya, Singapore, and Sabah. Sarawak fulfilled the necessary criteria to be recognised as a nation.
One significant issue that needs to be emphasised is the federal government’s takeover of Sarawak’s continental shelf over the years. As a result, Sarawak lost its continental shelf, seabed, subsoil, oil, and gas. The state continues to fight to reclaim these lost territories.
How can Sarawak Day be a platform for promoting peace,
understanding, and solidarity among Sarawakians of different racial and religious backgrounds?
There was no racial internecine or religious polarisation in the history of
Sarawak. There has always been political stability and racial harmony. So, political stability is built on the substratum of racial harmony and economic prosperity is built on the foundation of political stability.
Since there is no racial rival or political and religious polarisation, the continuation of happily living together among the 27 races in Sarawak should be continued and as an exemplary example to other states in Malaysia.
How can we foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of
Sarawak Day especially among out youth?
By inculcating in them the understanding of our history and current political landscape. We emphasise that our state boasts the highest revenue in Malaysia, surpassing all other states.
Additionally, we have the largest number of honourable members in our state legislature. Our legislature is unique in allowing English, Malay, and any native language to be spoken in the Dewan. This is unique, not only in Malaysia but globally.
It is crucial to preserve and prolong this practice by safeguarding it for future generations. This is because we must provide opportunities for individuals from the rural areas of Sarawak to speak in the Dewan, which is why our legislature maintains such flexibility.
Lastly, what message would you like to share with Sarawakians?
Know our past and our history, continue the momentum and fix your eyes on the horizon so that Sarawak will become the richest, the most stable and the most harmonious state in Malaysia.
The struggle to fight for our rights is for Sarawak to become a premier state in Malaysia. Sarawak having the highest income in the country is not for the present generation, it is for the young generation and posterity.
The young generation must understand and accept that these struggles are for them. It is not for me or the honourable members of the Dewan, but for our children and future. The future is bright as we make them to be.
