KUCHING: Sarawak Independence Day is important as it is a reminder that Sarawak was once a sovereign nation, with its own territory.
Political analyst Datuk Peter Minos said the territory also was long accepted and recognised by the world.
“We will never forget our late Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem for initiating and declaring July 22 as Sarawak Independence Day.
“Even though Sarawak created Malaysia with Sabah and Malaya on Sept 16 1963, we Sarawakians will never forget our independence day,” he said.
He said it (July 22) was and is an integral part of Sarawak’s history as it was the day when Sarawak got out of British colonial administration and obtained the state’s self-rule and independence, with the late Tan Sri Datuk Stephen Kalong Ningkan as the first chief minister and Tun Datuk Abang Openg Abang Sapiee as the first governor.
“While we honour, love and respect our country Malaysia, don’t forget our past and our history.
“It’s because of our history that we have to draft the MA63 in creating Malaysia with Sabah and Malaya,” he added.
He also pointed out that Sarawak’s rights were clearly pointed out in MA63 (Malaysia Agreement 1963).
“Quite unfortunately, from day one since 1963 Sarawak had not fully enjoyed such rights and power.
“That’s why Sarawak has been requesting and agitating for them and rightly so. And it’s a fair and legitimate move,” he explained.
He what Sarawak is rightly entitled to in MA63, the state must get and secure them, especially the powers to run Sarawak properly and smoothly and the money to develop it to be on par with the economically advanced Malaya.
