KUCHING: Sarawak Day should continue to be remembered as the day Sarawak attained self-government, marking a defining moment in the state’s history and identity, says political observer Datuk Peter Minos.
He said the annual July 22 celebration serves as a reminder of the historic milestone achieved in 1963 when Sarawak gained self-rule from British colonial administration, describing it as a turning point for the people of Sarawak.
He credited the late former Chief Minister Pehin Sri Adenan Satem for introducing the annual Sarawak Day celebration, saying the decision has helped strengthen public awareness of the state’s history.
“Thanks to the late Tok Nan, July 22, 1963 has become a very important date for Sarawak. Today, it is commemorated as Sarawak Day,” he said in a statement.
Minos pointed out that Sarawak Day represents the day the state attained self-government, while Malaysia Day on Sept 16 commemorates the formation of the Federation of Malaysia by Malaya, Singapore, Sabah and Sarawak.
Recalling his own experience as a Form Three student at SMK Bau back in 1963, he said the year remains deeply etched in his memory as one filled with excitement and optimism.
“Many young Sarawakians at the time looked forward to living in a self-governing nation after years under colonial rule. It was a defining year for us.
We were excited about becoming free from colonial rule and beginning a new chapter in our history,” he said.
Minos also paid tribute to Sarawak’s early leaders, including the state’s first Chief Minister Tan Sri Stephen Kalong Ningkan and first Governor Tun Abang Openg, as well as other pioneers such as Tan Sri Datuk Amar Ling Beng Siew, Tun Datuk Patinggi Temenggong Jugah Barieng, Penghulu Lawai Jau and Temenggong Datuk Dagok Raden.
“They are the pioneers who laid the foundation for Sarawak’s early development following self-government,” he said.
Reflecting on events that followed later in 1963, Minos said the Indonesia-Malaysia Confrontation had created uncertainty and anxiety in Sarawak after Indonesia opposed the formation of Malaysia.
He recalled that the conflict continued until peace was restored following the end of Confrontation in 1966.
“Despite those challenges, the year 1963 remains one of the most significant years in Sarawak’s history. The year symbolises the beginning of Sarawak’s journey in determining its own future and should continue to be remembered by future generations.
“We cannot forget the year of our liberation and our freedom. It was too important a moment in our history to be forgotten,” he added.
