By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, July 11: Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng has refuted claims that the upcoming 722 Gathering to honour Sarawak’s Independence Day was jeopardised due to a lack of response from his office, stressing that the council has officially approved the event today.
Wee was responding to recent remarks by the event’s organising chairman and Saya Anak Sarawak founder Peter John Jaban, who had alleged that MBKS’s delayed reply had put the gathering at risk of cancellation.
Calling the accusation “unfair,” Wee clarified that MBKS had not been in a position to reply earlier as the route and logistics of the official 722 Walk—organised in collaboration with Kuching North City Commission (DBKU) and Padawan Municipal Council (MPP)—were only finalised yesterday (July 10) during a joint press conference.
“As such, our office was not in a position to give an immediate reply earlier, as the venue and arrangements for the 722 Walk were still under discussion.
“Today, MBKS has officially issued a letter to the organiser granting approval to proceed with the Sarawak Independence Day and Tribute to Tok Nan,” he said in a statement today.
Wee also took issue with the organiser’s decision to air grievances publicly.
“There is no need to escalate this matter on social media as if MBKS is not being responsive.
“Let us remember that we are all Anak Sarawak and we all share a common love and pride for Sarawak,” he added.
He urged all parties to move forward in unity and mutual respect, especially in conjunction with events meant to celebrate the State’s identity and shared history.
Earlier today (July 11), Peter John had claimed that a formal application to use the Song Kheng Hai Rugby Ground was submitted to MBKS on April 7, but no response had been received to date.
As such, he said the planned gathering may be cancelled as the organising team does not have a bigger space to accommodate a large number of participants. — DayakDaily
