KUCHING, July 15: The annual 722 Sarawak Independence Day celebration will proceed at Bung Orad in Grogo, Bau this year on July 22 with an attempt to create a new Guinness World Record with 1,000 Ngajat dancers, despite the approval permit for the usage of Bau Civic Centre being withdrawn.
Organised by a group of nationalists, one of the main aims of the event, which will mark its 10th anniversary this year, is to urge the Federal government to restore the rightful status of Sarawak and Sabah as equal partners in the Federation of Malaysia.
Organising chairman Anthony David said that they also wish to remind the Sarawak government that July 22 was gazetted in 2016 as Sarawak “Independence” Day, and not merely Sarawak Day as it is currently promoted.
“We also hope to raise greater awareness about the significance of 722 among the rural population. The last time it was celebrated in Bau was in 2018,” he said in a statement today after holding a press conference on the celebration event.
On the withdrawal of the permit for the use of Bau Civic Centre at the venue, even though it was approved earlier with payment made by the committee, Anthony said he does not know the reason for this, but it will not be an obstacle for the event to proceed in another venue just 5.5km away from the Civic Centre.
“We believe the Bau Civic Centre was built using the people’s money for all Bangsa Sarawak, and not just for the privilege of a few groups. Unfortunately, the permit was withdrawn last week.
“To us nationalists, being treated in this ugly manner is normal and it will only make us stronger,” he added.
However, the planned 722 cultural walk and parade around Bau Bazaar has been cancelled.
Among the highlights of the celebration from 9.30am to 1.30pm include releasing 59 pigeons to freedom, cultural performances by Bidayuh, Iban, Chinese and Bisaya, cutting of 722 giant cake, kuntao demonstration and a live performance by David Awel and Pak Maon (from 1.30pm to 5.30pm).
As usual, the celebration will be kicked off with the raising of Sarawak flags and singing of Sarawak’s original national anthem ‘Fair Land Sarawak’ and ‘Ibu Pertiwiku’.
Deputy Chief Minister of Sabah Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Jeffrey Kitingan and Mas Gading MP Mordi Bimol are expected to be present.
This year’s event is organised in collaboration with Sarawak Association for People’s Aspirations (SAPA), Bulang Birieh, Bulang Dayak Bukit Kelingkang, Bikoto and Land Ngindang, Kuntau, RDDL & SDGG, Gondang Uguong Jagoi serikin, Gendang Besai (Iban), Skiat Cultural Troupe, Kuching Cyclists, Simpok Cultural Troupe, Francis & Donnie Big Bikers and Bisayah Gong Traditional Association.
With a decade-long history of making huge impact on Sarawak’s community, Anthony elaborated the 722 celebration would not have been possible today without the sacrifices, struggles and efforts of its pioneers, including the then national youth chief of State Reform Party or STAR (now Sarawak People’s Aspiration Party or Aspirasi) Jalumin Bayogoh, Kitingan, Alim GA Mideh, former Padungan assemblyman Dominique Ng and then STAR member Lina Soo.
“The trio, Jalumin, Alim and Soo, started the nucleus and foundation of the struggle to have 722 recognised as Sarawak Independence Day.
“They later invited like-minded friends from DNC, Sadia, SDNU and the public for the inaugural meeting at Telang Usan Hotel where it was resolved that 722 Sarawak Independence Day and Walk as the name of the event, with tagline ‘We Must Know’,” he explained.
The first event comprising seminar and walk attracted about 350 participants from Sarawak and Sabah, and where the late S4S activist Dzulfiqar Yeu @ Yew Bang Keng or more popularly known as Beng Kor and six others led a walk around Kuala Lumpur with the Sarawak flag. — DayakDaily
