KUCHING, Aug 13 — A number of Sarawakians here feel that there is no need to celebrate National Day on August 31 as the event is meant to commemorate the declaration of ‘Merdeka’ (Independence) of Malaya, and has nothing to do with Sarawak.
Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) assistant publicity and information secretary Lo Khere Chiang said he respected the gazetted dates to commemorate Sarawak’s independence and the formation of Malaysia, and found no reason to celebrate National Day.
Malaysia was formed on Sept 16, 1963, while Sarawak achieved self-governance on July 22, 1963.
“We recognise the formation of Malaysia. I don’t see why we should celebrate ‘Merdeka Day’. Malaya has taken all my oil (and gas resources) and has not treated me fairly,” he said when contacted yesterday.
“I would celebrate the independence day of Sarawak, and we celebrated it grandly in Sibu this year, and I support it.” For Sarawak People’s Aspiration Party (Aspirasi) president Lina Soo, August 31, 1957 was the date Malaya was granted independence from Britain, opining that it had nothing to do with Sarawak.
“Sarawak was under the British colony until September 16, 1963. So no, there is no need for Sarawak to celebrate Malaya Independence Day,” she said.
Meanwhile, social activist Voon Shiak Ni called upon the Sarawak government to look into scrapping August 31 as a celebration in Sarawak.
“Historically, August 31 had no significance to Sarawak’s independence, and it’s better to be crystal clear about that; better for the understanding and appreciation of the history of Sarawak by all Sarawakians.
“We have been confused for more than 60 years and we need to move forward for all Sarawakians to take pride in the history of their own state and also the leaders of the state who fought and sacrificed for the independence of the state,” she said when contacted.
Moreover, Voon said for Sarawak, all the ‘Bulan Kemerdekaan’ (Independence Month) activities being carried throughout August should be conducted in July instead.
“This is so that the younger generation can learn more about patriotism and celebrate Sarawak Independence Day,” she said.
The Sarawak Independence Day was gazetted as a state public holiday by then-chief minister, the late Pehin Sri Datuk Patinggi Adenan Satem in 2016.
It has since become a grand annual celebration, and a different division would be selected as the state-level event’s host every year. — Borneo Post Online
