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MIRI – Sarawakians celebrated Sarawak Independence Day today with state leaders focusing on unity and social development in their messages to the public.
Progressive Democratic Party president Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing called for the state and federal governments to accelerate efforts to enhance the living standards of ordinary citizens.
“This year we celebrate Sarawak Day knowing that we are equal partners in Malaysia,” he said in a social media posting. “We are thus in a position to enjoy greater pace of social and economic developments.
“There is a need to bring faster pace of infrastructure developments in those places in Sarawak needing to catch up in these aspects.”
Parti Sarawak Bersatu president Datuk Seri Wong Soon Koh said the heroes of the past who had fought hard for Sarawak’s freedom from Japanese occupation and then British colonial rule must be remembered.
“We remember and honour those who had given their lives in the cause of bringing freedom to this land.
“We pay tribute to those who had contributed towards the development of the rakyat. We appreciate their sacrifices.
“We Sarawakians must continue their struggle to preserve the multi-ethnic unity and harmony of our state,” he said.
Wong said the state government must work harder to make sure the development in the state is better distributed, and focus on helping the poor and needy sections of the community where there are still many living in poverty.
Meanwhile, there were simple ceremonies and events organised to commemorate the event across the state.
In Kg Tupong near Kuching city, some local community leaders paraded through the village holding Sarawak flags.
They were made up of representatives from various racial groups and dressed colourfully.
In Sibu, the annual Borneo Cultural Festival is currently being staged in the town square.
The show started last night and groups of cultural performers took to the stage to showcase their customs and traditional attire.
Sarawak gained independence from British rule on July 22, 1963, before joining hands with Malaya, Sabah and Singapore to form Malaysia on September 16 that same year. – The Vibes, July 22, 2022