KUCHING: Hundreds of people turned up at the Kuching Waterfront Square here yesterday for this year’s Sarawak Day celebration.
The celebration was introduced by the late Chief Minister, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr. Adenan Satem last year to honour the day Sarawak achieved its independence from the British Colony.
This year’s celebration featured an array of performances including choral speaking and cultural dances, a video montage on the history of Sarawak and also an exhibition on the Malaysian Agreement.
A Form four student of SMK Matang Jaya, Sujashini Amira said that the Sarawak Day was an important day for all Sarawakians.
“It marks the day when we were free from any colony, be it from the British or the Japanese, just right before Malaysia was formed.
“Many of our ancestors suffered due to poverty and some also fought to survive threats from the communists.
“Hence, Sarawak Day is very meaningful to every Sarawakian today,” said Sujashini who aspired to become a doctor so that she could help the people of Sarawak in future.
Another Form Four student of SMK Matang Jaya, Nur Maisyarah Zahren said that the Sarawak Day celebration was meaningful, especially for the youths.
“It gives us input and knowledge on what actually happened during this day back in history.
“What I know about today is that 22 July is the day that the Sarawak flag was first hoisted with pride and dignity,” added Maisyarah.
Meanwhile, 35-year-old Dayang Maslini Awang Putit and 29-year-old Alisa Mohd Ali, who both performed cultural dances during the Sarawak Day celebration, said they were proud to be Sarawakians.
“We love Sarawak because of its rich culture and we experience it by learning the different ethnic dances in the state.
“Each dance has its distinct movements. This is why we love the rich culture here in Sarawak,” they said.
