KUCHING: It is important for Sarawakians to know their special rights enshrined in both federal and state constitutions, says Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) Youth chief Michael Tiang.
“July 22 was gazetted as Sarawak Independence Day on May 20, 2016. This shows the Sarawak government’s commitment in safeguarding our autonomy.
“In 2016, July 22 was announced by then chief minister, Pehin Sri Adenan Satem, as a public holiday and it was also celebrated for the first time in Bintulu, to remind Sarawakians that the first Council Negeri was held in Bintulu on Sept 8, 1867,” he said in his Sarawak Day message.
There were 21 representatives elected by the people to attend the assembly, he added.
“This historical fact shows that Sarawak had been practising democracy with election for legislature representation during the White Rajah days.
“However, when the British colonised Sarawak after the Second World War, SUPP was the first political party formed to lead anti-cession and anti-imperialist movements against the British colonial government with the slogan ‘Sarawak for Sarawakians’,” he said.
On another note, Tiang said he strongly supported the suggestion by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg that up and coming lawyers must be trained in Sarawak laws in their syllabus.
“I emphasise that, particularly the Sarawak Constitution, should be taught in the law faculties,” he said.
He said this was because it was the very law that laid out the fundamental governing powers and structures for Sarawak, including the state executive powers, official language for the State Assembly, public services, financial powers, and many more. “I wish our fellow Sarawakians would celebrate Sarawak Independence Day in their own way but with a clear understanding of the meaning of this very special day as well as our history,” said Tiang.
