By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, July 22: Sarawak Day on July 22 serves as a reminder that Sarawak’s future must be shaped by Sarawakians themselves and not dictated by outsiders or disrupted by external political interests, said Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) Kuching branch acting secretary and youth chief Nicholas Wung Duk Ying.
He said the occasion was not only a time for Sarawakians to celebrate their identity and achievements, but also an opportunity to reflect on Sarawak’s history, status and rights, which must continue to be protected by its people.
Wung said the peace, harmony, development and autonomy enjoyed by Sarawak today should never be taken for granted, as they were built through generations of Sarawakians’ determination to safeguard their rights, preserve unity and uphold stability.
“If Sarawakians do not defend Sarawak’s rights, who else will do it for us?
“Our history, status and rights must be remembered, cherished and protected by Sarawakians themselves,” he said in a statement issued in conjunction with Sarawak Day today.
He said Sarawak Day was more than just a public holiday, as it carried a deeper message about protecting Sarawak’s direction and ensuring its future remained firmly in the hands of Sarawakians.
Wung described AirBorneo’s historic Kuching–Kuala Lumpur return flight on July 20 as one of the most symbolic milestones for this year’s Sarawak Day, after Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg described it as a gift to all Sarawakians.
“This was more than the launch of an air service. It marked another important step towards greater aviation autonomy and stronger connectivity for Sarawak.
“AirBorneo symbolises not only an aircraft taking off, but also the take-off of Sarawak’s confidence and determination to shape its own future,” he said.
From a legal and constitutional perspective, Wung said Sarawak’s rights were firmly rooted in history, the Federal Constitution and the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), and should not be reduced to mere political slogans.
He said safeguarding these rights meant securing greater decision-making authority in key areas such as transport, energy, education, finance and economic development.
Wung also called on Sarawakians to continue protecting the peace and harmony that Sarawak has enjoyed, warning that political divisions and external interference could gradually undermine the progress achieved over the years.
He said the prolonged political disputes in Peninsular Malaysia should serve as a lesson, especially when many Malaysians were already facing challenges related to rising living costs, income pressures and business uncertainties.
“Political leaders should focus on the economy, livelihoods and public welfare instead of allowing society to remain trapped in endless political manoeuvring,” he said.
He added that Sarawak’s stability had created an environment for continued development as well as stronger grassroots engagement.
Wung said he and fellow party members had recently visited traders along Gambier Street to understand their concerns and gather feedback on visitor traffic, business conditions and community development.
“Defending Sarawak cannot remain only at the policy level. It must also be reflected through efforts to support local traders, strengthen community economies and address the daily concerns of the people.
“Grassroots voices guide our work. Sarawak Day reminds us that safeguarding Sarawak also means returning to our streets, shops and communities to solve real problems,” he said.
Wung said the Sarawak Cabinet under the leadership of the Premier had remained focused on advancing development in key areas, including infrastructure, education, aviation, energy transition, ports and the digital economy.
“Stability allows the government to focus on governing, harmony allows the people to live with confidence, and unity gives Sarawak the strength to defend its rights,” he said.
He added that Sarawak Day was not only about remembering the past but also about protecting the future.
“Sarawak is our home. Protecting its harmony means protecting the lives of our people, while defending its rights means defending the future of the next generation,” he said. — DayakDaily
