(Miri, 23rd) Sarawak United People's Party Miri (Piasau) Branch City Councillor and Piasau Propaganda Secretary, Chen Liren: We must once again stress that August 31st is Malaya's Independence Day and not Sarawak's Independence Day.
On August 31, 1957, the Federation of Malaya officially broke free from British colonial rule and achieved independence. At that time, Sarawak was still under British colonial rule, so Sarawak should not simply regard August 31st as its own independence day.
At the same time, Sarawak has its own significant historical date: July 22nd, Sarawak Independence Day.
On July 22, 1963, Sarawak ended British colonial rule, embarked on the path of self-government, and in the same year, on September 16, joined Malaya and Sabah to jointly form Malaysia.
Therefore, we believe that Sarawakians must greatly value July 22nd—Sarawak Day—because this day carries Sarawak's own historical development, its journey to self-government, and the people's historical memory of this land. Likewise, September 16—Malaysia Day—also holds irreplaceable significance.
On September 16, 1963, Malaysia was officially established, with Sarawak and Sabah joining Malaya to form the new Federation. Thus, September 16th marks Sarawak's involvement in forming Malaysia, a crucial historical juncture that we should understand thoroughly, actively promote, and celebrate grandly.
By emphasizing these histories, we do not intend to create division, nor do we wish to deny August 31st. Out of respect, we still congratulate all compatriots who celebrate August 31st, and wish everyone a joyful, peaceful, and united Independence Day celebration.
However, respecting others' histories does not mean we should forget our own.
On the contrary, we must make sure that Sarawakians—especially the younger generation—have a clear understanding: on July 22nd, remember Sarawak's own history and path to self-governing independence; on August 31st, offer congratulations and show respect for Malaya's independence achieved in 1957; and on September 16th, remember the founding of Malaysia, as well as Sarawak's participation in this crucial historical process.
These three dates have different historical backgrounds and should be accurately understood and distinguished.
Thus, we believe Sarawakian society should more actively promote and value both July 22nd—Sarawak Independence Day—and September 16th—Malaysia Day—so that the next generation understands the path Sarawak has taken, instead of letting all history be simply summarized as August 31st.
We can respect August 31st, while also cherishing and celebrating July 22nd; we congratulate others on Malaya's independence, while even more valuing September 16th—Malaysia Day.
This is not contradictory.
True unity does not require everyone to forget their own history, but is built on the foundation of mutual respect for each other's histories and jointly understanding Malaysia's formation process.
Sarawak has its own history, culture, and identity, as well as its important role in the formation of Malaysia.
Therefore, we call on all sectors:
Value 7.22, remember Sarawak Independence Day;
Respect 8.31, congratulate others on their Independence Day celebrations;
Welcome 9.16, remember Malaysia's founding.
Let us respect history, understand history, and pass on history, so that the younger generation of Sarawakians know where they come from, and the path Sarawak has taken in Malaysia's history.
We wish them a happy August 31st Independence Day celebration!
At the same time, let us all look forward to and attach even greater importance to the upcoming September 16th Malaysia Day, while continuing to cherish and pass on Sarawak's historical memories.
At the same time, Sarawak has its own significant historical date: July 22nd, Sarawak Independence Day.
On July 22, 1963, Sarawak ended British colonial rule, embarked on the path of self-government, and in the same year, on September 16, joined Malaya and Sabah to jointly form Malaysia.
Therefore, we believe that Sarawakians must greatly value July 22nd—Sarawak Day—because this day carries Sarawak's own historical development, its journey to self-government, and the people's historical memory of this land. Likewise, September 16—Malaysia Day—also holds irreplaceable significance.
On September 16, 1963, Malaysia was officially established, with Sarawak and Sabah joining Malaya to form the new Federation. Thus, September 16th marks Sarawak's involvement in forming Malaysia, a crucial historical juncture that we should understand thoroughly, actively promote, and celebrate grandly.
By emphasizing these histories, we do not intend to create division, nor do we wish to deny August 31st. Out of respect, we still congratulate all compatriots who celebrate August 31st, and wish everyone a joyful, peaceful, and united Independence Day celebration.
However, respecting others' histories does not mean we should forget our own.
On the contrary, we must make sure that Sarawakians—especially the younger generation—have a clear understanding: on July 22nd, remember Sarawak's own history and path to self-governing independence; on August 31st, offer congratulations and show respect for Malaya's independence achieved in 1957; and on September 16th, remember the founding of Malaysia, as well as Sarawak's participation in this crucial historical process.
These three dates have different historical backgrounds and should be accurately understood and distinguished.
Thus, we believe Sarawakian society should more actively promote and value both July 22nd—Sarawak Independence Day—and September 16th—Malaysia Day—so that the next generation understands the path Sarawak has taken, instead of letting all history be simply summarized as August 31st.
We can respect August 31st, while also cherishing and celebrating July 22nd; we congratulate others on Malaya's independence, while even more valuing September 16th—Malaysia Day.
This is not contradictory.
True unity does not require everyone to forget their own history, but is built on the foundation of mutual respect for each other's histories and jointly understanding Malaysia's formation process.
Sarawak has its own history, culture, and identity, as well as its important role in the formation of Malaysia.
Therefore, we call on all sectors:
Value 7.22, remember Sarawak Independence Day;
Respect 8.31, congratulate others on their Independence Day celebrations;
Welcome 9.16, remember Malaysia's founding.
Let us respect history, understand history, and pass on history, so that the younger generation of Sarawakians know where they come from, and the path Sarawak has taken in Malaysia's history.
We wish them a happy August 31st Independence Day celebration!
At the same time, let us all look forward to and attach even greater importance to the upcoming September 16th Malaysia Day, while continuing to cherish and pass on Sarawak's historical memories.