By Nur Hazirah Shukur
KUCHING: Sarawak Day is held to commemorate its freedom from the British colonisation, thus we should take pride in it.
Pemanca Rosli Sahari said the celebration is also to recognise Sarawak’s culture and history in preserving the diversity of its ethnic groups such as the Ibans, Malays, Orang Ulu and many more.
“Back when Sarawak declared its independence in 1963, the people did not feel anything because we had not seen the result and impact from it.
“But looking at how far we have come, it is enough to make the children of this state feel proud of Sarawak Day,” he said when met at his house in Kampung Tanjung Bundong here, yesterday.
Rosli, who served in the British Colony in the Department of Agriculture in 1962, said that there are a lot of differences between the celebration of Sarawak Day then and now.
“In the past we would gather at Padang Merdeka in Kuching to celebrate Sarawak Day where all the departments had their own groups and would gather there to celebrate.
“Circa 1980s, the celebration had begun to change where it is celebrated not only in Kuching but also in other divisions such as Sri Aman and also in schools.
“Now we can see that it is celebrated in its own way everywhere, including in the villages.”
