THE celebration of Sarawak Independence Day on Monday (22 July) should pay tribute to the late Chief Minister Tan Sri Adenan Satem, who first ignited the fight for the return of Sarawak's rights within Malaysia.
Social activist Peter John Jaban stated that Adenan, during his tenure before his untimely demise in 2017, was courageous enough to declare July 22 as Sarawak Independence Day based on historical facts. On 22 July 1963, Sarawak gained independence from British colonial rule. Sarawak then joined Malaya, Singapore, and Sabah on 16 September 1963 to form Malaysia.
Jaban said these historical facts show Sarawak was an independent country for a short period of time before helping to form Malaysia. "Adenan was brave enough to declare this publicly by announcing July 22 as a public holiday.
He initiated the process of reclaiming Sarawak's oil and gas rights and other rights in education, religion, and more. He was bold while other state leaders and Sarawak MPs in the Dewan Rakyat remained silent and afraid to raise these issues. Sarawak leaders were afraid of Umno then. Adenan took on Umno in the interest of Sarawak's rights," he told reporters today.
Jaban emphasised that Adenan's role in fighting for Sarawak's rights must be acknowledged. The state-level celebration tomorrow will be centred in Bintulu town. – July 21, 2024.
