By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, July 22: Political unity in Sarawak has strengthened its position in Malaysia, setting an example for Sabah to follow in reclaiming its rights within the Malaysian Federation, said Sabah Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Jeffrey Kitingan.
Delivering a passionate address, Jeffrey praised Sarawak for successfully uniting its political leadership, which he said has enabled the region to push forward its autonomy agenda under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and assert its rightful place within the Federation.
“I admire Sarawak because Sarawak is united in political power—and with that unity, Sarawak is able to demand and negotiate better within Malaysia.
“Now, we even have a Deputy Prime Minister from Sarawak—congratulations,” he said during his speech at the 722 Sarawak Independence Day Cultural Parade 2025 at Tasik Biru in Bau today.
He also congratulated Sarawak on the official recognition of Sarawak Day on July 22 as a public holiday.
“I have stood by Sarawak since 2013, when we took to Padang Merdeka to raise the Sarawak flag and demanded that Sarawak Day be declared a public holiday.
“Alhamdulillah, this has now been achieved. Sarawak celebrates Sarawak Day every July 22nd. Congratulations,” he added.
Jeffrey, who also serves as Borneo Dayak Forum (BDF) president, highlighted the historical significance of July 22, 1963, when Sarawak was granted self-government by the British before joining Malaysia on Sept 16 that same year.
He also underscored the symbolic significance of identity card numbers starting with ‘12’ for Sabah and ‘13’ for Sarawak, saying they represent more than just administrative classifications.
“We are not just ordinary states under the Federation of Malaya, but equal founding partners of Malaysia,” he said.
The Sabah Deputy Chief Minister also took the opportunity to extend his congratulations and appreciation to everyone involved in organising today’s Sarawak Day celebration.
“The performances were not only from Sarawak, but also from us here in Sabah. This shows the depth of our friendship—we are like siblings. If anything happens to a younger sibling, the elder must come down.
“Even Premier Abang Jo (Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg) is like a big brother,” he said.
Jeffrey further expressed hope that Sabah would soon commemorate its own historical milestones with the same pride and invited Sarawakian leaders and friends to join in celebrating Sabah Day in Sabah on Aug 31.
“Let us use Sarawak Day as a platform to unite Sarawakians, to unite the peoples of Borneo, to unite all friends, and to unite the ethnic groups of Sarawak, so that Sarawak will continue to be a shining example of unity in Malaysia.” — DayakDaily
