By Lian Cheng
KUCHING, July 20: “Sarawak Independence Day” on July 22 should not be called as “Sarawak Day”, said Sarawak for Sarawakians (S4S).
S4S spokesperson Lucas Chin pointed out in a press conference today that July 22 has been gazetted as “Sarawak Independence Day”, hence should not be recognised as “Sarawak Day”.
“We follow rules and regulations, and since July 22 was gazetted as Sarawak Independence Day, we will follow what has been gazetted and celebrate July 22 as Sarawak Independence Day,” said Chin, while showing a soft copy of Sarawak Government Gazette, Part II, dated May 20, 2016.
He pointed out that since July 22 is a Sarawak Independence Day, to use the term would not be seditious.
He thus called on Sarawakians to participate in the “Free Sarawak: Sarawak 56th Independence Day 2019” rally, organised by Kuching Tradition Handicraft Studies Society on July 22, from 7 to 10am.
The parade will start to gather at 7am at Jubilee Ground car park and march towards Song Kheng Hai rugby field at 7.30am.
Four speakers have indicated they would come and participate. They are from Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP), State Reform Party (STAR), Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak Baru (PBDSB) and Lawrence Lai, former Miri City Council chairman, an individual from the legal profession, he said.
Chin added that one of the key messages S4S tried to bring across during the rally was the correct understanding on referendum.
“We want to explain to the people ‘what is referendum’ because there are a lot of misunderstanding, as it may be applicable on various big issues affecting the daily life of Sarawakians.”
Citing the possibility of Lynas Malaysia Sdn Bhd (Lynas) coming to Sarawak, he said if there were to be a referendum ordinance, Sarawakians may make a decision on the issue which state lawmakers must also abide by.
On the turnout, Chin said about 5,000 were to be expected.
“Currently, we know there will be 25 bus-load of people coming to join us, including the buses from Sibu and Sarikei. Apart from them, there are also 300 to 400 people flying from Sibu, Miri, Johor and Kuala Lumpur.”
At 10am, the participants will march from Song Kheng Hai rugby field to Padang Merdeka to join another July 22 rally organised by Sarawak Association for Peoples’ Aspiration (SAPA). — DayakDaily
