The following few sentences in the Sarawak Government Gazette ushered in a new beginning for Sarawak.
“In exercise of the powers conferred by section 5 of the Public Holidays Ordinance [Cap. 8 (1958 Ed.) ], the Yang di-Pertua Negeri has made the following Notification:
1. This Notification may be cited as the Public Holiday (Sarawak Independence Day) Notification, 2016. 22nd day of July in every year to be observed as public holiday;
2. The 22nd day of July in every year commencing from the year 2016 has been appointed to be observed as a public holiday in Sarawak to be known as the Sarawak Independence Day, in addition to the days mentioned in the First Schedule to the Ordinance.
Dated this 10th day of May, 2016.
By Command, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Haji Adenan bin Satem, Chief Minister.”
There is, of course, a prelude to the above gazette.
Sarawak became a British colony in 1946 after the Brooke government ceded it and was a colony until 1963.
It was on July 22 1963, that Sarawak was granted self-government by the British. Now, to all intents and purposes, many consider this date Sarawak’s Independence Day.
July 22 was when the governor of Sarawak appointed Tan Sri Stephen Kalong Ningkan as the chief minister, and the first ministerial cabinet in Sarawak was formed.
Sarawak maintained this self-governing independent status until Sept 16, 1963, when it, together with Sabah, Singapore and Malaya, collectively formed the Federation of Malaysia.
It was only 50 years later that July 22 was marked as a significant day in Sarawak’s calendar.
Though it was not a public holiday, on July 22 2013, the Sarawak government observed the 50th anniversary of Sarawak’s independence from Britain at the Kuching Waterfront with much enthusiasm, pomp and ceremony.
The theme of the 50th anniversary celebration focused on the harmony of Sarawak’s people, and its peaceful multi-cultural landscape.
The highlight was the re-enactment of the independence ceremony, in which the last British Governor Sir Alexander Waddell formally handed authority over to Tuan Abang Haji Openg bin Abang Sapiee, the first Yang di-Pertua (Governor of Sarawak), on behalf of the people of Sarawak.
This ceremony stirred long-forgotten memories and also rekindled the original aspiration of Sarawakians and their past hopes.
In many ways, the 50th anniversary also served as a clear reminder to Putrajaya that there were many promises and obligations that had not been honoured.
This 50th anniversary also triggered a more confident approach towards the governance of our own affairs. The anniversary also generated stronger demand for July 22 to be declared a public holiday.
Fast forward, and on April 23 2016, the then Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem, affectionately known as Tok Nan declared July 22 a public holiday for Sarawak.
He said: “To honour and remember past leaders who have struggled for Sarawak’s independence, I declare July 22 as a public holiday for the state of Sarawak.”
He explained that the declaration of July 22 as a public holiday was also meant to improve historical awareness among locals and Malaysians.
Thus began a new era in Sarawak whereby its people were galvanised with a renewed sense of identity and the reigniting of old hopes. Many stood up and asked for their due rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
I would opine that the declaration of ‘Sarawak Independence Day’ empowered the politicians and the people of Sarawak to demand that the federal government adhere to the obligations under MA63 and all associated documents. The demand for the return of oil and gas rights and territorial rights over our seas has also gained prominence.
The announcement came at an opportune moment in Sarawak’s history when all Sarawakians needed a common focus. There is no doubt that Sarawak Day has provided us with a common purpose to uplift and work towards a better Sarawak.
Sarawak Day has also brought about significant “Sarawak-centric” development policies. Many of these policies have now come to fruition.
Many more new ones are being designed and rolled out by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and his team of hardworking ministers. The Premier has brought Sarawak to new heights with a vision of better things to come.
At the grassroots level, I would like to give one amongst many examples. The Service Sarawak counters have had a tremendous positive impact on everyone. This type of people-centric approach makes the lives of Sarawakians much better.
The quick response and Sarawak-centric approach by Abang Jo and the State Disaster Management Committee during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown is another example.
The many economic hardship alleviation programmes would most likely not have happened without the newfound energy and confidence.
I will maintain that the introduction of Sarawak Day has done great good for Sarawak.
The significant increase in ‘watchdog’ awareness among Sarawakians about our rights under the MA63 alone is of great benefit as they are ever alert about any further erosion of our rights.
I urge all to keep flying our flag up high and blowing the trumpet for ‘Sarawak Day’.
It is undoubtedly ‘The Awakening’ of Sarawakians for a ‘Sarawak First’ approach and an ever-vigilant Sarawak.
Wishing you a happy and harmonious Sarawak Day!
