Lee: Appreciate real meaning of Sarawak Day

Lee: Appreciate real meaning of Sarawak Day

The Borneo Post

23 Jul 2020

Lee (right) raises the Sarawak flag at the function, while Goh (third right) and others look on.

MIRI: Gaining independence is not easy without struggles and sacrifices, says Minister of Transport Datuk Lee Kim Shin.

As such, Sarawakians must understand and appreciate the real meaning of Sarawak Day which is celebrated annually on July 22, he added.

“Do not let extreme ideology penetrate into Sarawak and destroy the prevailing unity. It is not easy to achieve independence and have peace without having to use a weapon,” he said at a flag-raising ceremony organised by the Federation of Miri Division Chinese Associations in conjunction with Sarawak Day yesterday.

Lee, who is also Senadin assemblyman, said July 22 is very significant to Sarawak because it was the day it achieved its independence in 1963.

“Sarawak Day was gazetted as a public holiday in 2016 when the late Tok Nan ( Pehin Sri Adenan Satem) was the chief minister.

“This is a historical day for Sarawak because it was the day we formed our first government, led by then chief minister Datuk Stephen Kalong Ningkan.

“Therefore, all buildings, government departments and private premises are encouraged to fly the Sarawak flag to commemorate the occasion and to promote the love for Sarawak which is made up of people of various races and religions

Lee also said the Sarawak government would continue to fight for Sarawak’s rights that are contained in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63). President of Federation of Miri Division Chinese Associations, Datuk David Goh, who also spoke at the function, said Sarawak Day was important as it is proof that Sarawak was a sovereign nation before it helped form Malaysia, together with Malaya, Singapore and North Borneo (Sabah) in 1963.

“It also proves that we Sarawakians can live in peace and harmony although we are made up of various races, religions and culture.

“We, the federation also fully support Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari’s leadership. We also hope that we can regain all our rights and autonomy as stated in MA63,” he said.

My comments:  

It is misleading of Minister of Transport Datuk Lee Kim Shin to say that Sarawak seeking for independence will result in bloodshed.  It is really irresponsible of him saying this.  Sarawak is not a territory of Malaya, not to say MA63 is void and null.   Sarawakians are vested with intrinsic rights of self-determination to seek for Sarawak independence and freedom.  Those playing blind and rejecting the rights of Sarawak to become an independent country are the ones holding official positions with very good salary.  They are so selfish and self-interested to care about the whole being of Sarawak.     

        Fortunately, more and more Sarawakians stand for Sarawak independence and freedom.  Ministers like Lee Kim Shin should be prepared to pack and go for good.  I really feel ashamed of him.