KUCHING: Sarawak Day should be honoured by the locals because Sarawak declared self-governing on July 22, 1963, which led to Sarawak’s involvement in the formation of the Federation of Malaysia on September 16, 1963, said Sarawak Information director Swady Guliling.
To celebrate this year’s Sarawak Day and also the Merdeka month, the state Information Department (JaPen) held a flag raising ceremony at its headquarters yesterday.
Swady (left) hoists the Sarawak flag and the Malaysia flag at JaPen Sarawak. 
Flag installation by JaPen staffs around the fence of JaPen Sarawak headquarters.
Swady said the event was to inculcate the spirit of patriotism among the people towards building a connected, united, knowledgeable and integrated society.
“The hoisting of the flag symbolises a united people in a state or country, especially during the pandemic where we need to work together to ensure Sarawak defeats this invisible enemy.
“July 22 is a significant date for us, and we can commemorate it in our own unique style or concept because we are unable to gather due to the pandemic, so this flag-raising campaign is the most convenient and practical approach for the community to commemorate it.
Flag installation at the main entrance of JaPen Sarawak. 
JaPen staffs enthusiastically hoisted the flag to enliven the upcoming celebration.
“It is also to remind ourselves of the day Sarawak was first liberated colonial powers with the administration of the state managed by Sarawakians themselves,” he added.
Sarawak’s former Chief Minister, the late Pehin Seri Adenan Satem, fondly known as Tok Nan, first commemorated Sarawak Day on July 22, 2016 by declaring it a public holiday in Sarawak to honour the contributions and sacrifices of the state’s leaders and independence fighters.
The foyer to the entrance of the office is decorated with flags. 
JaPen staffs working together to prepare the flags.
