For too long Sarawak was made “invisible” when perceived as being one of the 13 states in Malaysia, instead of being one of three founding states to the federation of Malaysia which had consistently been the biggest contributor to the national coffer since 1963.

Michael Tiang is therefore of the opinion that July 22 gazetted by Sarawak Government to be Sarawak Independent Day in 2016 was a monumental step that allows Sarawakians to appreciate Sarawak is in fact a sovereign state in the federation of Malaysia.

Sarawak is a sovereign state that owns territorial boundaries and waters as well as all the minerals and natural resources therein. In state governance, our sovereignty includes among others a State cabinet with a chief minister and ministers, local governments and immigration powers. 722 is a special day to remind our people of all these important facts which are never taught in the national syllabus in our schools.

Nevertheless it is equally important for us to celebrate the harmony of our multiracial, multicultural and multireligious community which is so deeply embedded in our community that it becomes synonymous for Sarawak.