By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, July 22: Sarawak rights activist Peter John Jaban has urged Sarawakians not to be confused by ongoing discussions and differing references on social media regarding July 22, stressing that the date was officially gazetted as Sarawak Independence Day in the Sarawak Government Gazette dated May 20, 2016, and not as Sarawak Day.
Peter John said the historical significance of July 22 should be understood based on the official gazette and the events that took place in 1963, when Sarawak attained independence from British colonial rule before joining Malaya, Sabah and Singapore to form Malaysia on Sept 16 of the same year.
“The fact remains that July 22 was officially gazetted as Sarawak Independence Day in the Sarawak Government Gazette dated May 20, 2016, and not as Sarawak Day,” he said in a statement today.
He also called on Sarawakians to pay tribute to the late Chief Minister Pehin Sri Adenan Satem, whom he credited with reigniting efforts to restore Sarawak’s rights within the framework of Malaysia.
According to Peter John, Adenan demonstrated political courage by officially recognising July 22 as Sarawak Independence Day based on historical facts during his tenure before his passing in 2017.
“On July 22, 1963, Sarawak attained independence from British colonial rule. Sarawak subsequently joined Malaya, Singapore and Sabah on September 16, 1963, to form Malaysia,” he said.
“These historical facts clearly show that Sarawak was an independent nation for a short period before becoming one of the founding members of Malaysia,” he emphasised.
Peter John said Adenan’s decision to declare July 22 a public holiday reflected his willingness to acknowledge Sarawak’s history openly and ensure it was recognised by future generations.
He further noted that Adenan had initiated efforts to reclaim Sarawak’s rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), including matters related to oil and gas, education, religion and other areas affecting the State’s autonomy.
“While many leaders and Sarawak Members of Parliament in the Dewan Rakyat remained silent due to political pressures at that time, Adenan stood firm in defending Sarawak’s interests. He was willing to challenge Umno’s influence in the interest of Sarawak’s rights,” he said.
Peter John also urged Sarawakians, particularly younger generations, to learn more about Sarawak’s history, constitutional position and rights under MA63.
He said a deeper understanding of these issues would help Sarawakians appreciate the sacrifices made by past leaders and strengthen efforts to safeguard the State’s interests within Malaysia.
“The future of Sarawak depends on an informed and united generation that understands its history and knows its rights,” he said.
Peter John emphasised that the contributions and courage shown by Adenan in defending Sarawak’s rights should continue to be acknowledged and remembered by all Sarawakians, describing the late chief minister’s legacy as a key chapter in the State’s ongoing pursuit of greater recognition of its constitutional rights. — DayakDaily
