KUCHING: July 22 is a historical day that must be known by all Sarawakians especially on the events leading to the day Sarawak was given the authority to self-govern at that time, Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg said.
For those born before 1963, they are the witnesses to the various phases of developments taking place in the state encompassing economy, social, physical and politics, he said in the souvenir programme of the Sarawak Day celebration 2019.
This year, Bintulu Division has been chosen to host the celebration, the first time the event is held outside Kuching.
A total of seven main events are to be held starting from July 20-22 culminating with the main event Sarawak Day Rally in the morning of July 22 at the Bintulu Old Airport.
Gracing the event will be the Head of State, Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud.
Abang Johari also said Sarawak’s economy must be enhanced in tandem with the global economy such as including digital economy or otherwise Sarawak would be left behind.
The Chief Minister also called on Sarawakians to remain united to ensure that Sarawak would achieve its developed status by 2030.
He said Bintulu was aptly chosen as the host for the Sarawak Day celebration since the first sitting of the Dewan Undangan Negeri was held there on August 8, 1867.
Meanwhile, minister-in-charge of the celebration, Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi in a similar message called on all Sarawakians, especially those in Bintulu and nearby areas to join in the events as a gesture of appreciation for the sacrifices and struggles of past leaders who had contributed to the development and progress of Sarawak.
Dr Rundi who is also the State Utilities Minister said the activities to be held are E-Sport Cup and Forum, Love Sarawak Through History, Sarawak Day Run 2019, Majlis Kesyukuran, Konsert Kamek Sayang Sarawak, Pameran Hari Sarawak and Perhimpunan Hari Sarawak.
He commended all those involved in organising the event as it reflected their teamwork, professionalism and high commitment to make it a success.
Acting State Secretary, Datuk Jaul Samion in the same souvenir programme said as agents responsible for bridging the rakyat and the government, members of the state civil service should have the spirit of patriotism in discharging their duties.
He said they must also know the state’s history and the sacrifices given by past leaders in uniting the people and stabilising Sarawak’s economy, politic and social factors.
He also hoped that the state civil service would always work closely together to see that Sarawak would continue to be developed as aspired by our leaders.
