KUCHING: Kuching South Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng has defended the Kuching South City Council (MBKS) against allegations that its delayed response threatened to derail the upcoming 722 Gathering commemorating Sarawak’s Independence Day.
Wee said it was unfair to blame MBKS alone for the situation, clarifying that the council’s ability to respond earlier was limited due to pending finalisation of route and logistical details for the 722 Walk, which is jointly organised by MBKS, Kuching North City Hall (DBKU) and Padawan Municipal Council (MPP).
“With all due respect, I believe it is unfair to shift the blame solely to MBKS, suggesting that the gathering may be cancelled due to our delayed response,” said Wee in a statement today (July 12).
He was alluding to recent public remarks made by the 722 Gathering organising chairman and Saya Anak Sarawak founder, who claimed that the event’s execution was jeopardised due to a perceived lack of responsiveness from the council.
Wee explained that a joint press conference was only held yesterday to finalise the details of the 722 Walk, which celebrates Sarawak Day, and only then could MBKS issue an official response.
“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,” he said.
He confirmed that MBKS has since issued a formal letter of approval, granting permission for the Sarawak Independence Day gathering and the Tribute to Tok Nan to proceed as planned.
Wee also cautioned against escalating the issue on social media, stressing that unity and mutual respect should be upheld during events of shared cultural and historical significance.
“Let us remember that we are all Anak Sarawak and we all share a common love and pride for Sarawak. Let us move forward together in unity,” he added.
The 722 Gathering is held annually to commemorate July 22, the date marking Sarawak’s de facto independence from British colonial rule in 1963, ahead of the formation of Malaysia. The Tribute to Tok Nan is also a key feature of the event, in honour of the late Pehin Sri Adenan Satem, Sarawak’s fifth chief minister.