Prohibition of Parade marking Sarawak Independence from British Rule

suppadmin | July 15, 2015

Sarawak United Peoples’ Party is greatly disappointed that the authorities have rejected the parade permit to celebrate and mark Sarawak’s independence from British colonial rule on 22nd July 1963.

Indeed, this date 22nd July 1963 is very important to us Sarawakians. For us it is our Independence Day and equally, for our fellow Malaysians in Peninsular Malaya, the date 31st August 1957 is very important to them.

All Sarawakians must know three important historical dates of Malaysia.

1. 22nd July 1963. The Independence day of Sarawak.

2. 31st August 1963. The Independence Day of the Federated States of Malaya.

Each year, 31st August is being celebrated as Hari Kebangsaan, always in a big scale in Kuala Lumpur.

3.. 16th September 1963. The Malaysia Day. The formation of Malaysia with the signing of Malaysia Agreement 1963, by Federated States of Malaya, Sabah, Sarawak and Singapore.

In view of the above and the significant historical value, on behalf of the people of Sarawak, SUPP strongly appeals and urges the Police and other relevant authorities to reconsider their decision.

The parade was supposed to take place from the MBKS foyer to Padang Merdeka. The rejection of the permit has disappointed many Sarawakians as July 22 is part of our history.

This decision is a backwards step in recognising Sarawak’s history and arguably tantamount to showing a lack of respect to the people of Sarawak.

The reason given that the parade will cause traffic congestion may be valid but not good enough. With proper traffic control there should not be any traffic problem. We are confident that we Sarawakians, do not mind such traffic jam, if any, if the occasion is to celebrate the Independence Day of Sarawak. We know our own feelings.

Merdeka Day and Malaysia Day Celebrations also cause traffic congestion.

This decision will cause a negative reaction and response from the people of Sarawak.

Our Federal Constitution via Article 10 guarantees Malaysian Citizens the right to freedom of speech, freedom of assembly and freedom of association.

Our government should be thinking positively and progressively on this matter and allow Sarawakians to participate in this parade. It is our democratic right to mark such a momentous event in our Sarawak history.

The organisers have also given the assurance they will act within the Peaceful Assembly Act.

After 52 years of independence, this is the first parade to be organised by a NGO, though not by the Government of Sarawak.

Sarawakians are looking forward to celebrate their independence by just a parade, which is now being denied. An extremely unfair treatment, indeed.

Benefit of doubt should be given to Sarawakians that we are peace loving people and indeed we have proven that we live in Peace and Harmony for decades even before the formation of Sarawak. We are more 1Malaysia than any part of Malaysia and for that we are very proud..

We sincerely hope that the Police and other relevant authorities can reconsider their decision and that permission be granted to proceed with this parade so that the people of Sarawak can rejoice and celebrate this important day in happiness.

AND MAKE THIS DAY A HISTORICAL, MEANINGFUL AND MEMORABLE ONE FOR ALL SARAWAKIANS.