SUPP Central Women Section Press Release

suppadmin | January 15, 2018

“A nation without a past is a lost nation, and a people without a past is a people without a soul.” Seretse Khama, first president of Botswana.

Sarawak’s unique identity is especially represented by its distinctive historical development, diverse culture and ethnicity. Sarawakian must know the fundamentals of Sarawak tradition, culture, as well as our history that led to the formation of Malaysia. On this front, SUPP Women Central Chairman Cr. Kho Teck Wan today challenged each and every Sarawakian to step up and become the guardian of Sarawak’s identity.

“We have a lot to do as many young Sarawakian still do not know the significance of Sarawak Day (22^nd July), Malaysia Day (16^thSeptember) or that the Hari Merdeka (31^st August) is actually the Independence Day of the Malaya and not for Sarawak.” Kho Said.

Since Sarawak is one of the founding members of Malaysia, it is imperative that Sarawakians know how Malaysia is formed. We must educate our youngsters as we are counting on them to continue our efforts to safeguard Sarawak. However, it is generally felt that the current history textbook still lacks comprehensive coverage on Sarawak’s history. As such, Kho urges the Sarawak Government to consider increasing the school children’s exposure on Sarawak’s culture and history via after school curriculum through supplementary materials, direct experiences, films and other computer programmes.

Sarawak has over 40 sub-ethnic groups, each with its own distinct language, culture and lifestyle. The unique cultures and practices may face the risk of diminishing as more and more youths from rural areas move to urban areas for continuous education and work. It is therefore very important for the children to understand where their ancestors come from, and why they celebrate certain holiday and practice certain religious activities.

As frequently mentioned by the late Chief Minister of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Haji Adenan Satem, “Ini Sarawak punya olang, bisi Melayu, bisi orang Cina, bisi orang Dayak, bisi orang Bidayuh, duduk sama, minum sama, makan sama, carik amoi pon sama.” Diversity is our strength, by introducing Sarawak’s cultural and history to school children will further help us understand each other better, and help to continue maintain Sarawak’s unity in diversity.

In this regards, SUPP Women Central will also organize more activities focusing on Sarawak’s History and Cultures.