KUCHING: Sarawak Day should be celebrated as a day of unity, identity and healthy living, with every Sarawakian playing a role in building a stronger state, says Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian.
About 1,500 people took part in the 722 Walk in Commemoration of Sarawak Day at the MBKS grounds this morning (Jul 22), where the celebration began with the singing of Ibu Pertiwiku before participants set off on the community walk.
Dr Sim, who is also the Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government, said individual wellbeing contributes directly to the state’s strength and development.
“When you are healthy, Sarawak is healthy. Staying healthy allows us to continue contributing to Sarawak’s future,” he said.
He said the late former Chief Minister Tan Sri Adenan Satem gazetted July 22 as Sarawak Day and declared it a public holiday so that every Sarawakian could mark the day in their own way.
“Today, the people of Kuching have chosen to come together, walk together and celebrate together. That is the spirit of Sarawak.
“Like Tok Nan said, we come together. It doesn’t matter whether you are Iban, Melanau, Dayak, Malay, Chinese or Indian. Today, we walk together,” he said, adding that the gathering reflected Sarawak’s long-standing spirit of inclusivity, with people of different races and backgrounds coming together as one community.
He also urged Sarawakians to carry the state flag with pride, describing it as a powerful symbol of belonging that connects Sarawakians wherever they are in the world.
“Once you are anak Sarawak, you are forever anak Sarawak,” he said.
