By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, July 12: The much-anticipated 722 gathering to mark Sarawak’s Independence Day and honour the legacy of the late Pehin Sri Adenan Satem (Tok Nan) has been officially cancelled due to what organisers described as “unbelievable” and “tyrannical” last-minute conditions imposed by Kuching South City Council (MBKS).
The organising committee chairman Peter John Jaban expressed deep regret over the decision to call off the grassroots event, which was scheduled to take place on July 22, 2025.
He explained that the committee only received a letter from MBKS yesterday evening at 5.26pm via WhatsApp—hours after a public statement was issued in the morning urging clarity on the application submitted on April 7.
Although the letter granted approval, it came with restrictive terms that the organisers deemed unacceptable, including a ban on the symbolic release of pigeons and a blanket prohibition on all vehicles—effectively barring participation by classic cars, bikers, motorhomes and cultural troupes from across Sarawak.
“We are sad to cancel this community-driven initiative. No public funds were used and not a single cent of taxpayers’ money was involved.
“The entire event was powered by volunteers, private sponsorships and passionate Sarawakians who wanted to celebrate their shared heritage together, free from political or institutional agenda,” said Peter John in a statement today.
He added that MBKS’s letter of approval came too late for organisers to implement the necessary changes or inform participants, many of whom had already committed time and resources.
“Our preparations continued over three months while we waited for a response. But with the official letter only issued on July 11, we do not have sufficient time to do the event justice,” he said.
The 722 gathering aimed to bring together a wide cross-section of Sarawak society, including big bikers, classic car enthusiasts, the Kancil and sports car communities, motorhome travellers from Limbang, and cultural performers from rural villages.
“These groups were essential to the vibrancy and inclusivity of the event. They were not just participants but proud bearers of Sarawak’s diverse traditions, willing to travel long distances to be part of this grassroots celebration,” he emphasised.
While expressing disappointment over the lack of engagement from local councils during the planning stage, Peter John said the committee respects the decision by the three councils—MBKS, Kuching North City Commission (DBKU) and Padawan Municipal Council (MPP)—to host an official “unity walk” this year to mark July 22.
“A unity walk is indeed an excellent way to bring people together and pay tribute to Tok Nan, who declared July 22 a public holiday in recognition of Sarawak’s autonomy, unity and pride,” he said.
He added that the organising committee remains open to constructive and timely discussions on this and future events to ensure community representation is retained in the celebration.
Though the 722 gathering has been cancelled, Peter John said the group’s spirit as Anak Sarawak remains strong.
“We will continue to pursue inclusive, respectful and community-led efforts to honour our heritage,” he said.
The event organisers had first submitted their application to MBKS on April 7 this year and had been waiting for an official response for over three months. As the proposed date of July 22 approached with no formal reply, the committee issued a public appeal yesterday (July 11) calling for clarity and transparency from the council.
Later that same day, MBKS issued a statement refuting claims of delay, confirming that approval had been granted and that the organising committee had been informed via WhatsApp. — DayakDaily
