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By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Aug 31: Sixty-six years ago, Sarawak leaders took a historic step by agreeing to unite with other regions to form Malaysia in order to safeguard the State from the power and influence of foreign ideologies and to ensure its security with certain conditions as stipulated in the Federal Constitution and Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
Highlighting the importance of this historical context, Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg underscored the parallel significance of Malaya’s independence on Aug 31, 1957, and Sarawak’s independence on July 22, 1963 as these milestones provided the impetus and vision to merge Malaya, Sarawak, Sabah, and Singapore (which later exited Malaysia in 1965) into the new nation of Malaysia on Sept 16, 1963.
“Sixty-six years ago, the people of the Peninsula, driven by a spirit of respect and tolerance, made a decision to demand independence from the British.
“As we all know, under the leadership of Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, the first Prime Minister of Malaysia and the Father of Malaysian Independence, Malaya was freed from the shackles of colonialism on Aug 31, 1957,” he said when speaking at the Sarawak-level National Day celebration held at the Mukah Politeknik multipurpose hall and broadcasted live via Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas) on social media today.
Over the past six decades, although there remains room to fill in the meaning of the nation’s freedom and independence, Abang Johari said the country and Sarawak as part of Malaysia has undoubtedly made substantial progress when compared to other countries in the region.
He highlighted the transformation of the nation’s economy from an agrarian and commodity-focused system to a dynamic economy centered on manufacturing and services which has elevated Malaysia to a prominent exporter of electrical and electronic goods.
“The country’s economic growth has averaged around 5.4 per cent since 2010, according to the World Bank’s report, and is expected to achieve a transition from an upper middle-income economy to a high-income economy by 2024,” he said.
In line with the theme of the National Day celebration, “Malaysia Madani: Tekad Perpaduan Penuhi Harapan”, Abang Johari called on all citizens to uphold the nation’s stability by reinforcing unity.
He stressed that harmony among the people serves as a cornerstone for the country’s advancement.
“Malaysians should appreciate the true meaning of independence which grants the freedom to shape the course of the nation’s destiny and to reap its benefits as a sovereign nation,” he added.
The celebration was graced by the presence of acting Head of State Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar and his wife Puan Sri Dato Fatimah Mohd Iskandar.
The event also featured the raising of the Jalur Gemilang by the Royal Malaysian Navy accompanied by a rendition of Negaraku by the police band.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah and Sarawak State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki were among the dignitaries present. — DayakDaily
