By Emellia Tamoh
KUCHING, Aug 22: State Reform Party (Star) president Lina Soo asserts that August 31 is not a significant day for Sarawak and there is no need to mark the day with a celebration.
She also cited Sarawak Democratic Action Party (DAP) chairman Chong Chieng Jen’s statement urging the state government to stop celebrating national day on August 31 in Sarawak, which was reported three years ago by Malaysiakini on August 31, 2016.
“I do agree with Chong on this matter. We wish them (West Malaysians) Happy Independence Day but there is no need for us to celebrate it,” she said at a press conference today.
“As everybody knows, Malaya gained independence on August 31, 1957. But it is not applicable to us and we cannot view it as Sarawak Independence Day too,” she emphasised, adding that it is unnecessary for the state declare it a public holiday.
According to Soo, Malaya changed its name to Malaysia on September 16, 1963 and its territory was expanded, adding Singapore, Sarawak and North Borneo, later to be called as Sabah, to the federation.
“As Malaya changed its name to Malaysia, this was passed through the United Nations (UN) General Assembly. As far as concerned to UN record, this federation has existed since 31 August 1957, obviously on this part, Sarawak is not a part of it,” she shared.
“I know that there are still many are confused on this matter; it is Independence Day for West Malaysia, but not for Sarawak,” she asserted. — DayakDaily
