If we must die, we die defending our rights.
– Sitting Bull, American Indian chief
It’s a public holiday tomorrow. Hurrah!
I’m sure some will say, a day to relax, while others, maybe not, as the MCO and CMCO were a long holiday of sorts already.
But then July 22 is not just any public holiday, it’s Sarawak Independence Day.
This day gives hope to Sarawakians and their aspirations for greater autonomy within the Federation.
It was officially gazetted and launched in 2016 by the Sarawak government under our late chief minister, Pehin Sri Adenan Satem.
57 years ago, Britain lowered the Union Jack, marking the end of colonial rule over then crown colony Sarawak.
Some would dispute the term “independence”. They would point out that it was merely an interim self-rule while we waited for 57 days, only to be swallowed by Malaya on Sept 16, 1963.
Whatever the interpretations and arguments, we achieved de facto independence on July 22, 1963 albeit for a few days.
Perhaps Adenan, affectionately called ‘Tok Nan’, had cheekily inserted the term ‘Independence’ in-between “Sarawak Day” to indicate that this was what Sarawakians aspire to become. Who knows!
Tomorrow will be the fourth year running when we mark the event, with Miri City hosting it this year.
Miri City has already been adorned with Sarawak flags along its main roads. Preparations for RMCO compliant celebrations are well in progress.
It is good that we have this Sarawak Independence Day. However, I would advocate that we celebrate Sarawak Day on Sept 24.
It was on this date in 1841, when Brunei ceded Sarawak to Sir James Brooke.
Consequently, we should adopt Sept 24 as the date when Sarawak took on its own identity and became a separate legal entity and therefore a nation.
This would mean Sarawak is 179 years old this year. We are indeed an old, historic and matured established entity with a nation status within a federation.
There has been a lot said and debated about our right to autonomy and self-determination.
Since Tok Nan took up the role as champion of Sarawak rights, there has been an awakening among Sarawakians.
Our ever-vigilant current Chief Minister has vigorously pursued many aspects of these rights and also numerous other alternative and novel options for autonomy.
In the three years as Chief Minister, Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg has taken the fight to new heights.
The introduction of a five per cent sales tax on oil extracted by Petronas, and other oil industry players, was just one stance.
After being challenged in court by Petronas and lack of support by the previous PH government, Sarawak is now close to getting part of its rightful financial dues.
Abang Johari has implemented many initiatives to make sure Sarawak has to start taking care of itself and minimise reliance on external factors and players.
His own vision to spur Sarawak’s economy into the digital age is a bold step forward.
The importance of this vision was particularly evident during the MCO.
This is when many of us realised its importance in sustaining our communications with each other, work, education and purchases.
His push to utilise Sarawak’s own funds to implement projects was a critical step.
This will help to modernise the agricultural industry, building of coastal and rural roads to improve connectivity, increasing the pace of rural development.
Such efforts are all proof of commitment towards building a sustainable and autonomous Sarawak.
Abang Johari is also seen as a leader for all races and has said on many instances: “We want all races to enjoy the benefits of development that the Sarawak government implements.”
There are many challenges ahead but his commitment is unquestionable, the record of accomplishment is there and I’m sure his perseverance will overcome the many hurdles.
The emergence of Sarawak as a supporter of the current federal government has opened up new possibilities.
I’m sure GPS is conscious of the role they now exercise in the federal government, and that they have the responsibility and need to be assertive on behalf of Sarawakians.
Let us pray that all of us carry on the quest and pursue Sarawak’s aspirations with full rigour, perseverance and determination.
Selamat Hari Kemerdekaan Sarawak!
The views expressed here are those of the columnist and do not necessarily represent the views of New Sarawak Tribune.
