special supplement
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special supplement
Friday, September 16, 2016
‘Next CM will continue my mission’ By Peter Sibon
EDITORIAL TEAM reporters@theborneopost.com
Editors Phyllis Wong Francis Chan Ghaz Ghazali Margaret Apau
Contributors Antonia Chiam Cindy Lai Conny Banji Georgette Tan Jane Moh Jeremy Veno Jonathan Chia Karen Bong Lim How Pim Mary Francis Matthew Umpang Peter Boon Peter Sibon Philip Kiew Philip Wong Raymond Tan
Graphics Shelly Tan (Delegation) Hassan Abang Tofek Mohammad Faisal Ahmad Noriezam Drahman Nurasyiqynn Haroun Camelia Andrew Debby Nawie Phoenicia Mavia
Malaysia is the only country that we have and don’t ever dream of leaving Malaysia. We will continue to ask for our rights within the constitution, but we will not go further than that. So love your country. It’s the only country that you have.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem says all the initiatives that he started could not be fully implemented within his tenure. However, he stressed he would not continue after his term finished and someone else would have to continue fulfilling the initiatives that he started. “Five years (as chief minister) is definitely not enough. But as I have said, this is my last term. Someone else will have to continue. “I have to be realistic. I am 72 now. In four to five years’ time, I would be nearly 77. I don’t think I can carry on after that. After all, I have been elected 11 times. I have been this and that, or another. So I think that’s enough already. I have contributed enough services and it will be time for me to retire,” he said in an exclusive interview with The Borneo Post and Utusan Borneo at his residence in Santubong. On his successor, Adenan pointed out that under Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB)’s constitution, the party’s caucus would decide the party’s new leader. “It is for the party to decide. I mean I can’t predict now. It will depend on the situation then. I cannot say who is who then. I would love to do that (pick as successor) but it’s the party’s caucus that would decide,” he said. Asked if the turmoil in Umno would affect the state in the next parliamentary election, Adenan said Sarawak would not be affected. Adenan, who is also the state Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman said the reason why Sarawak would not allow Umno into the state was because the population of Sarawak is diverse – unlike Peninsular Malaysia where most of the people are Malays. “I think one of our best decisions was not to invite Umno to come to Sarawak. I think if we had, we are inviting trouble. One of the reasons why we don’t invite Umno
— Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem, Chief Minister of Sarawak
Adenan being interviewed at his residence in Santubong. to Sarawak is not because we don’t want Umno, but it is because when you talk about Umno, you mean Malays. “But in Sarawak, it is not only about the Malays – we have the Ibans, the Bidayuhs, the Orang Ulus and so on; they are not Malays. We must take that reality into consideration. And I am afraid that if Umno were to come here, it would create fear among the non-Malay native population. “There’s already Umno in Sarawak, except that the name is different. That’s’ PBB. That’s our position,” he pointed out. Touching on United People’s Party (UPP) and Parti Tenaga Rakyat Sarawak (Teras) application to join BN, Adenan said it would not be easy to admit both parties into the coalition due to the principle of ‘unanimity’ in accepting new members.
“As long as they support BN, that’s all I requested. But if they requested to join BN, Sarawak Progressive Democratic Party (SPDP) and Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) will object. And because of the unanimity principle, they will not be admitted into BN. If they objected, there’s nothing I can do. “But what is important is the people support you. What colour they wear, as long as they support you and when the time comes, they will vote for you. That is even more important. So that’s our position. I have invited these people into the (state) cabinet, so that’s our indication that I want them to support the government,” he said. On the future of former Teras president, Pakan assemblyman Tan Sri William Mawan Ikom, the chief minister said he would give him more time to decide but at
the same time, he stressed that if Mawan were apply to join PBB, he would be accepted like the five partyless assemblypersons whom he admitted into PBB recently. Adenan was referring to assemblypersons Miro Simuh (Serembu), John Ilus (Bukit Semuja), Rosey Yunus (Bekenu), Paulus Palu Gumbang (Batu Danau) and Dato Gerawat Gala (Mulu). “I want him (Mawan) to decide. He’s the only one left partyless and I want to give him more time as to what he wants to do. There’s no hurry for this,” the chief minister said. On the impact of the new party initiated by former premier Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, the Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (PPBM), Adenan believed that it would not create any impact in Sarawak as it is a Peninsular Malaysia-based party. “I don’t think they (PBBBM) would make headway in Sarawak, despite what they said,” he said. On the speculation that the 14th general election would be held by March next year, Adenan affirmed that the state’s BN would be ready as the election machinery was still intact since the last state polls. “For the 14th general election, only the prime minister will know. He will decide when. And at this stage, I think he doesn’t know too...” On the allocation for the private Chinese schools in Sarawak, Adenan disclosed that they would get RM6 million next year as promised. When he first took office, he had promised that he would increase
the amount every year starting with RM3 million in 2014. “In the last state election, there seemed to have some movement by the Chinese back to the BN. I hoped they would continue to do that. It all depends of our performance. In the last state election, the BN lost in eight Chinese-majority constituencies, but those which the opposition retained were with much reduced margin,” he pointed out. Touching on the importance of English, Adenan said the state government would give incentives to both private and mission schools promote the language. “To be realistic, we want to promote the English language. We want it as a medium at school and we want the federal government to approve more schools in Sarawak to use English as their medium of instruction “Now they (federal leaders) are giving permission, but very limited. We want them to increase the number. The state government will give incentives to private and mission schools to promote English. And we will help as far as we can — we will,” he added. Meanwhile, in his message for Malaysia Day, the chief minister urged all Malaysians to love Malaysia as it is their only country. “Malaysia is the only country that we have and don’t ever dream of leaving Malaysia. We will continue to ask for our rights within the constitution, but we will not go further than that. “So love your country. It’s the only country that you have,” he reminded all Sarawakians.
Impact from formation remains significant for S’wakians By Karen Bong
THE sacred date of Sept 16 should be the day when all Malaysians, irrespective of their diverse backgrounds, stand united in honour, respect and appreciation of the peace and freedom that the people have been enjoying for many decades.
This day also serves to remind all about the struggles and sacrifices of those before us, whose invaluable contributions have made Malaysia what it is today. The Congress of Unions for Employees in Public and Civil Service (Cuepacs) secretary for Sarawak branch, Omar Bahrein Unin, believes that Malaysia Day is significant not only to the older generation, but also the younger ones who must learn to value, respect, understand and appreciate the nation’s history. “The impact it has on the development of Malaysia throughout the past decades till today is significant. Thus, the knowledge of the history is an important key for us to move forward together,” he points out, adding that he is very keen to understand the history of the formation of Malaysia, as well as the roles played by those involved and the powers given to each state. “A wise person will tell you that history is the best teacher to educate men about lessons, values and limitations. Looking back at history helps us pave the way for the future.” Omar elaborates that having the knowledge and understanding of the history of one’s country is extremely vital as it serves as the foundation and identity of a nation. “It is the key to foster unity and understanding among people in this diverse community. History must be used as reference, as a reflection, especially in issues that affect this country. No matter what is happening now, it is a challenge to strengthen our history and that sense of national pride and identity not only among the young, but also the older generation,” he adds. Omar says it cannot be denied that there are those who are not well-versed on the history as they pick up the details from here and there, without referring to the
Omar says Malaysia Day is significant not only to the older generation, but also the younger ones who must learn to value, respect, understand and appreciate the nation’s history.
Omar Bahrein Unin
constitution and the laws. “There are also people who are ‘blind’ to history, but at the same time, they have the tendency to
Mohamad Suandi Mortadza
intervene in the disputes of our history; thus creating confusion among the public. “We have come a long way as
Shamsyah Hamid
a nation – our people, including the leaders, had endured many hardships, challenges, complications and struggles in the
past.” In this respect, Omar feels that the price to pay for freedom would not be worth it at all if the disputes and acts by certain parties based on their own interests could jeopardise the unity of this country. On the development of Sarawak demanding certain autonomy from the federal government, he says the strength of Malaysia is not placed only in states around the peninsula – Sarawak and Sabah also contribute towards the overall economy of the nation. “It is only fair and right that each state in Malaysia is able enjoy the same rate of development. Still, there seems to be a gap between the development in Peninsular Malaysia, Sarawak and Sabah.
Due to such difference, the federal government should give more attention to the demands of Sarawak government for the wellbeing of the people here,” he emphasises. Meanwhile, Malaysia Cooperatives College (MKM) Sarawak lecturer Mohamad Suandi Mortadza, 39, believes that the move to form Malaysia was a wise decision by past leaders. “The basis behind this vision was the spirit of togetherness and acceptance among people of all races, towards forming Malaysia that would continue to remain peaceful and prosperous till today.” “I’m proud to be Malaysian, and it is our unique trait to be able to remain united, despite our differences. Malaysia has come a long way to becoming a great nation that it is today,” he says, insisting that he would still choose Malaysia as his home if given other options. The annual celebration of Malaysia Day, he adds, must continue to foster the spirit of patriotism, togetherness and unity among the people. “We are lucky to be living in this land and together, we can bring harmony and prosperity to this land.” Echoing the same view, research officer Shamsyah Hamid, 32, sees that the establishment of the Federation of Malaysia as a ‘good move’, especially in ensuring the administration of states could be carried out in a more advanced and efficient way. “In my younger days, we understood that this unification also helped stop Sarawak from being further colonised. However as we grew up, we began to realise that the development in our state had not been on the same par or along the same pace as that in Peninsular Malaysia, which is evident in the development of roads and highways (in Sarawak) which is still far behind compared with those in the peninsula, as well as the lack of education facilities in the rural areas.” As such, Shamsyah stresses that the government of the day – one that is chosen by the people – must step up its efforts to ensure that the development in all states in the country is equal.
special supplement
Malaysia Day a celebration of nation’s formation — Nancy Shukri By Lim How Pim
birthday of this nation.
CELEBRATING Malaysia Day on Sept 16 is reminder for all that Malaysia was formed by Sarawak, Singapore, North Borneo and the Federation of Malaya – it is the
Datuk Nancy Shukri
“Malaysia Day reminds us of who we are as Malaysians. For young people or for us, we were not there when Malaysia was formed. We do not know what people had gone through.” These were the thoughts of Datuk Nancy Shukri, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, who is also the Batang Sadong MP, when asked about Malaysia Day. On the debates and confusion over Malaysia Day, Sarawak Day on July 22 and Na onal Day on Aug 31, Nancy said there was a need to educate society on the significance of these days. “Sarawak, we have our own history and then with the new feelings of Sarawak, we feel that we should celebrate the Independence Day of Sarawak, which is July 22 because that is the history we
cannot erase. We should celebrate it — there is no harm. “But now people are becoming very state-centric – they feel that Sarawak should not be celebra ng Aug 31. I saw some comments, but I think that should be a feeling of unity among us whereby there is no harm for us celebra ng it with the rest of the states in Malaysia. “We should not deprive them of celebra ng the 60th anniversary of Independence Day. We suggest let Aug 31 stay on as Na onal Day. If the ‘Semenanjung’ (Peninsular Malaysia) says it’s our 60th Na onal Day, by all means, let them. They also want to celebrate the Independence Day that they had fought for. This is something in Malaysia that we need to be openminded about. “This is the only way we can remind our children and fellow Malaysians that this is what happened on those dates. I remember reading about Sarawak during the Rajah Brooke days, a lot of Sarawakians did not want Sarawak to be given to the Bri sh because they had been under Rajah Brooke. People were scared of facing the new governing en ty, which was the Bri sh
Friday, September 16, 2016
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Nancy stresses that each race plays an important role in the development of the naƟon and its economy. — Bernama photo
government.” On racial rela onship, Nancy said: “We must appreciate each other because whatever race we belong to, we are first and foremost Malaysians. “Therefore, it’s not a ques on of which race we belong to. Each race plays an important role in the development of the na on and its economy. Without suppor ng each other, we won’t have a country called Malaysia. “I tell people, come to Sarawak. Even those from ‘Semenanjung’, I brought them here to eat ‘kolo mee’, the ABC, our ‘laksa’; and (it’s) not just about ea ng – it’s about seeing the different races si ng together here. This is what they feel that is different in Sarawak.” Touching on the social media, Nancy said ne zens should not talk nega vely about other races and labelling each other. She cited the recent social media a ack on the A orney-General for dancing with poli cians during the Na onal Day celebra on as an example of nega ve vibes that ne zens could generate.
“I remember there was a big hoo-ha in Peninsular Malaysia (during the Aug 31 celebra on) among the ne zens. I’m sure this does not represent all the Peninsular Malaysians. Even the AG wore the uniform; the A-G didn’t want to wear the uniform but it was for everybody. I purposely bring this up because I want people to realise that they (the leaders) were just happy, dancing spontaneously to the music ‘Oh ho ho ho Malaysia’ – it’s so nice. However, we got condemned. As a human being, if you don’t enjoy music, that’s your problem. Don’t impose on people. “We should not follow the sen ments that certain minori es try to shape us to become who they want us to be. Don’t tell me we as leaders, we cannot laugh, we cannot enjoy ourselves. You have to be realis c. Leaders are just human beings. It does not mean that when we sing and dance, we do not think about the people. That should make the leaders closer, whereby it is easy for us to be in touch with the people to solve their problems.
“You have to find ways to unite people. One of it is through sports, but how many people are involved in sports. As a na on, we have the parade and all sorts of things, dancing – small kids and adults dance to the music. You see, like the ‘Seha Sejiwa’ song – people are singing it without realising that it is connec ng us. “I remember someone telling me: ‘I never paid a en on to this song. Suddenly when I was alone, watching TV, saw the lyrics, and tried to embrace the whole song; it was so sen mental, very emo onal ll I shed tears – something which I never thought about it. The inten on is get people to understand that this is to unite the people’. “I hope we will move forward and not backwards, to see the good inten on of uni ng people. The economy will be be er, with the people united. “If you’re together, (and) united, you communicate with the government. The unity of the people is very important,” Nancy stressed.
SUPP plays major role in formation Observer: Sept 16 of Malaysia, says party veteran celebration not to undermine Aug 31
THE Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) has contributed considerably towards the forma on of Malaysia, especially when it comes to the state’s privileges and autonomy. The party remains the oldest exis ng poli cal party in Sarawak, having been established in 1959. According to SUPP veteran Jong Kiam Chun, SUPP endorsed the concept of Malaysia but at the same me, insisted that Sarawak must a ain independence before the forma on of Malaysia. “As a result of a strong campaign by SUPP, the Cons tu on of Sarawak was amended; thereby Sarawak became a self-government on July 22,1963, and from Aug 31 onwards (at that me), the Colonial Governor could only perform du es on the advice of the Chief Minister. This signified the independence of Sarawak,” he stated in response to a ques on on SUPP’s contribu on towards the forma on of Malaysia. It is understood that Sabah a ained self-governance on Aug 31, 1963. Jong said the strong campaign by SUPP had forced the Malayan government then to allow Sarawak form the ministerial type of government, while those in Malaya could only form the administra ve commi ee type of state government.
File photo shows SUPP Bawang Assan chairman Robert Lau Hui Yew (second leŌ), with Nangka assemblyman Dr Annuar Rapa’ee (centre) and other visitors, during a ‘SUPP Historical ExhibiƟon’ held in Sibu several years ago.
As a result of a strong campaign by SUPP, the Constitution of Sarawak was amended; thereby Sarawak became a self-government on July 22,1963, and from Aug 31 onwards (at that time), the Colonial Governor could only perform duties on the advice of the Chief Minister. This signified the independence of Sarawak. — Jong Kiam Chun, SUPP veteran
The strong campaign by SUPP also enabled Sarawak to receive extra privileges, protec on, concessions and autonomy, he added.
The SUPP Central Working CommiƩee line-up in the 1960s.
“The strong campaign by SUPP had also gained the support from other poli cal par es in Sarawak,” Jong highlighted.
These privileges and autonomy, as pointed out by Jong, include: z Full authority of control over immigra on of people from Malaya (now Peninsular Malaysia). z The local government in Sarawak, including all municipali es and district councils, is not subject to control by the Na onal Local Government Council (NLGC). Sarawak can a end the mee ng of NLGC, but the council’s decisions are not binding over Sarawak. z The land policies of Sarawak are not under the control of the Na onal Land Council. z The allowance for Sarawak to use English as its official language un l the State Legisla ve Assembly decides otherwise. z The allowance for Sarawak to manage its natural resources. z The allowance for Sarawak to con nue managing the educa on system by its local councils. z The allowance for Sarawak to elect one parliamentarian (MP) for every two state cons tuencies, while in the peninsula, one MP is elected by every three state cons tuencies. However, the Elec on Commission is slowly removing these privileges.
FOR Kuching City Centre Community Association education secretary Bong Lian Huan, Malaysia Day is more meaningful than National Day on Aug 31. “This is probably the same for most Sarawakians. However, this is not to undermine the significance of ‘Merdeka’ – the day when the Federation of Malaya declared independence from Great Britain on Aug 31, 1957. “In fact, Sarawak gained selfgovernment administration from the Britain on July 22, 1963 and later, formed Malaysia with Malaya, Singapore and North Borneo (Sabah) on Sept 16, 1963, under the proposal by then-Prime Minister of Malaya Tunku Abdul Rahman,” he said when asked for views on Malaysia Day. Bong observed that Sarawakians had just celebrated Sarawak Day for the first time on July 22 this year, following its gazettement as a public holiday by the state government. “The celebration, forgotten in the past, is a pointed reminder to the federal government in Putrajaya that the people of Sarawak are demanding a more assertive approach to the governance of their own affairs. “There is a sentiment in many quarters within the Sarawakian society that the state’s rich and diverse history has been lost in favour of the ‘Merdeka Day’ narratives dominated by the stories of the independence movement in the peninsula. Hence, there must be a more accurate portrayal of the history of this nation and a greater prominence should be placed on Sept 16 nationwide.” He also noted that with much said by the leaders about the importance of harmony, there were voices uttering about closing down vernacular schools in the name of national unity. Bong stressed that the existence of vernacular schools in the country was not, in any way, an obstacle towards achieving national unity, nor should it be used to challenge the rights of all races in learning their mother tongues. “Take Chinese education, for example. This issue should be viewed objectively by all
Bong Lian Huan because Chinese education no longer involves only the Chinese. According to statistics from the Education Ministry, non-Chinese children studying at Chinese primary schools nationwide now comprise 12 per cent of total students in these schools and based on this, we can see that SJKCs (aided Chinese primary schools) are now more diverse (in terms of students population).” Moreover, Bong said Chinese education should not be turned into a political issue because Mandarin has now become an international language, widely used in the economic and trading sectors. Therefore, he said the existence of vernacular schools in the country should be regarded as an ‘important asset’ that could enhance integration. He also raised the concern over various statements calling the Chinese and some communities in the country as ‘migrants’, ‘passengers’ and ‘intruders’. “We must not forget every race in the country has contributed towards the nation’s independence. “The country will not be able to achieve unity and harmony if historical facts were to be manipulated solely for the interests of a few individuals. Hence, it is important the History syllabus be furnished with all the original facts – those that showcase the contributions and sacrifices of all races,” Bong stressed.
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Friday, September 16, 2016
Sarawak clamours for fair slice in 0&G pie By Philip Kiew
AFTER over a century when oil was first discovered in Sarawak and 53 years after the formation of Malaysia, Sarawakians are clamouring for a greater say and a bigger slice of the pie that is the oil and gas (O&G) industry.
A united voice across political divides on the State Legislative Assembly floors and from the man on the street roused Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Adenan Satem to issue a clarion call to stand up and be counted on Sarawak rights and shares under the sun in the Malaysian Federation. Sarawak wants a review of the five per cent oil royalty, business opportunities and employment. Negotiations are still ongoing, and while the state has won some early concessions, all eyes would be on the O&G royalty revision demanded by Sarawakians. As Sarawak celebrates Malaysia Day 2016 in Bintulu – an industrial town and the petrochemical hub in Sarawak – professionals in the O&G business said it was time for a new O&G formula in the country with better representation from the state in exploitation of her resources. They want a state O&G corporation and local development of talents to run their own show. Ironically, Sarawak – with 46 per cent of the nation’s gas reserves and 23 per cent of its oil reserves – became the state with the third highest rate of poverty in Malaysia according to a Household Income Survey in 2012.
As Petronas comes to realise that after 42 years, receiving these oil and gas assets for free is one thing; but living up to the legitimate expectations of the people of the state is another matter altogether. — Hamim Yusuf, SPG chairman
In contrast, Petronas was ranked the 75th largest and 12th most profitable corporation in the world, and also the most profitable in Asia, by Fortune Global 500 in 2013. This juxtaposition hit hard on local sentiments and the dissatisfaction with Petronas’ policies and practices had grown, said Suarah Petroleum Group (SPG). Comprising Sarawakian O&G professionals, SPG was formally registered with noble objectives to seek more equitable, competitive and sustainable national O&G sector policies and an ecosystem that included Sarawak’s full participation, being the first and still very significant O&G-producing state. As such, it fully supported the chief minister’s stand on more meaningful participation by Sarawakians in the petroleum industry in the state. Notwithstanding that a Sarawakian, State Secretary Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Morshidi Abdul Ghani was recently nominated to sit on Petronas board of directors, SPG said it was high time that the state’s petroleum resources be developed by its own petroleum corporation, to ensure that the chief minister’s vision of meaningful participation would become a reality.
There are, at present, enough local and global talents amongst Sarawakians to operate and manage such a vehicle successfully, not only in the interest of the state but also the nation as a whole. At the same time, this would allow Sarawak develop its own talent pipeline to ensure sustainable growth and progress of the industry in the state and for the nation. Looking back on the 53rd anniversary of the formation of Malaysia, SPG felt that it was selfevident that Petronas’ business-idea had veered well past its ‘inflection point’. On behalf of SPG, its chairman Hamim Yusuf said the national oil corporation was now in the unenviable position where it needed to prove its current relevance, abilities and commitment to provide a better valueproposition to the states that had invested their O&G resources to support its formation and ongoing operations. “As Petronas comes to realise that after 42 years, receiving these oil and gas assets for free is one thing; but living up to the legitimate expectations of the people of the state is another matter altogether,” he said.
The Grand Old Lady – the site where the first production oil well was dug at Canada Hill in Miri in 1910.
The launch of SPG, as the voice of Sarawak in the O&G industry development and economic parity, by Awang Tengah (fourth left) on March 5 this year. Hamim is on Awang Tengah’s right.
Adenan was more conciliatory in his take, thanking the prime minister and Petronas for listening and taking action in the negotiations at the Head of State’s 80th birthday celebration in Miri on Sept 11 this year. “Once again I say thank you to the prime minister and Petronas for having an open mind in negotiating with Sarawak. The eroded rights of Sarawak should be returned and this state needs to have more benefits from the oil and gas resources in the belly of the earth, no matter in more royalty or other forms.” The first phase of negotiations earlier this year between Sarawak and Putrajaya saw the federal government agreeing to grant 13 administrative powers to the state government, while Petronas agreed to seven demands made by Sarawak in the negotiations carried out. On the latest update, Adenan announced last month that the Sarawak government and Putrajaya reached amicable agreements with regard to Petronas employment issues, following a meeting at the Prime Minister’s Office in Kuala Lumpur on Aug 26. It is agreed that the 192 vacant posts would be advertised on local papers and to be filled by Sarawakians. Petronas is to consult the state government if no Sarawakian is
suitable for the job, while Petronas would provide up to 50 places for Sarawakians to do undergraduate studies at Universiti Teknologi Petronas. Petronas would be committed to supporting two petrochemical industries under the final negotiation, where it is agreed that the number of Sarawakians working for Petronas would be increased in the state by 2020. Those involved at the management level would increase from 33 per cent to 60 per cent, while the manager level would see an increase from 41 per cent to 60 per cent and executive level, 48 per cent to 75 per cent. As at August this year, there were 3,880 Sarawakians and 1,310 nonSarawakian Petronas employees in the state, with another 1,000 Sarawakians in Petronas outside Sarawak. This announcement came after Adenan slapped a moratorium on work permits for non-Sarawakians working for Petronas or its subsidiary companies following a disclosure by SPG that 19 Sarawakians were retrenched while outsiders were being recruited for operations in the state. With regard to Petronas contracts and workforce, Minister of Industrial and Entrepreneur Development, Trade and Investment Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hassan said 385
Sarawak companies were licensed (upstream and downstream) or registered (downstream) with Petronas, while 59 new applications were being processed. Petronas had spent RM2.2 billion worth of contracts on 202 Sarawak companies last year and on April 3 this year, the state government and Petronas signed the principle agreement on the supply of 450 million standard cubic feet per day (mmscfd) of natural gas for the power and non-power sector in Sarawak. He said the state government and Petronas had also signed the memorandum of understanding (MOU) to conduct a joint study for Sarawak’s Petrochemical Masterplan – this all pointed to Sarawak intending to play a bigger role in developing the state’s downstream petrochemical industries. “I will not rest for as long as I am alive to fight for what is rightfully ours,” was Adenan’s pledge in the run-up to the election. That is also the stand of any Sarawakian who has been following every development and issue in the O&G industry being put under the microscope over the past two years. This scrutiny will only continue to intensify in the run-up to the 14th general election. Sarawakians are now watching every move in the O&G scene.
MALAYSIA DAY REFLECTIONS BY BARU BIAN
‘Time to snap out of dreamless time warp’ AS we approach the celebrations on Sept 16, it is timely to reflect on the history of the formation of Malaysia. In the context of the challenges we are facing now – be they social, political, economic or even personal challenges – it would be helpful to understand how Sarawak came to be in the position she is in today. Historical truth is critical when taking stock, because any deception or distortion of the truth would be a dishonour to our forefathers, and a disservice to future generations.
In my mind, the biggest deception spawned by politicians is that our ancestors fought hard for independence from the British. Certain politicians are fond of using this line when urging the public to be grateful for what we have. All Sarawakians should make it a point to read the numerous historical documents to better understand the events that took place before and after the formation of Malaysia, rather than believing the romantic fiction that our forefathers fought for our liberation from the British. Putting aside the accusations of imperialism and colonisation, it is undeniable that our forefathers were contented with the way things were. A reading of the Cobbold Report shows that many of the ethnic groups were, in fact, not in favour of the merger. The Lun Bawangs (or the Muruts, as they were called in those days) were ‘very happy and peaceful as they were’ and feared the effects of the British leaving Sarawak, placing emphasis on the importance of freedom of worship and also freedom to propagate their faith. The Kenyahs and Kayans wanted the British to stay, did not understand the Malaysia Plan and
had sent a petition to the Queen seeking reassurance that the British government would not relinquish responsibility for the development of Sarawak until they were satisfied that the people were ready. The Kelabits were not ready for Malaysia and the Chinese were also not in favour for it. Paramount chief of the Orang Ulu, Temonggong Oyong Lawai Jau, spoke for six hours at Long San, warning that the people were not ready for Malaysia. The Ibans were divided, while the majority of Bidayuhs were in favour of remaining under British rule. The Malays appeared to be the only group that wholly supported the idea, but among their concerns was the need for customary and other native rights to be protected; and that Islam should be the national religion, but there should be freedom for other religions. It is clear that there were widespread anxiety and lack of confidence about the idea of Malaysia. Many were not at peace with the proposal. This unease is best summed up by Temenggong Jugah Barieng in his prophetic words: “Anang anang Malaysia sebaka tebu, manis di pohon, tawal di hujung” (“Let not Malaysia be like the sugarcane; sweet at the head and less sweet at the end”). One could say that Malaysia was a foregone conclusion in some ways. The doubtful Sarawakian leaders were taken on a tour of Kuala Lumpur to be persuaded about how Sarawak could look like with Malaya’s help. Many other external forces were at play, including the tensions between Indonesia, Philippines and Malaya, and also the communist threat. Our leaders signed on the dotted line. Malaysia was borne out of
political manoeuvrings, most of which were beyond the Sarawakian players’ control. Our forefathers, to their credit, only agreed after extracting guarantees to preserve and protect our rights and our special status. These rights were set out in the Inter-Governmental Committee (IGC) Report and the Malaysia Agreement signed in London. I recall that in the 70s, there was a radio interview on RTM Lun Bawang programme where Murung Ilan, a Lun Bawang elder, was asked to compare the Sarawak he knew before Malaysia and the one that it had become. His telling answer was that there was no comparison – the British were better, as they gave the people shotguns. The interviewer told him that he should not say things like that. The question is – why should he not say what he thought? Repeated incidences like this have led to many generations of Sarawakians not knowing the truth of our history, because people are told not to say what they think as that would be disloyal and unpatriotic. Few Sarawakians know about the Nine Cardinal Principles of Governance laid down by Charles Vyner Brooke in the preamble of the Sarawak Constitution 1941. The government of today would do well to observe these principles, which are as relevant today as they were in 1941. The principles set out the
ideals of ownership of heritage, social and educational services, protection of rights, accessibility of justice, freedom of expression and worship, the duty of public servants, equal employment opportunity in the civil service, working towards a goal of self-government, and policies to ensure the collective happiness and harmony of the various races. Looking at what is happening in this country, one cannot help but observe that the government and political leaders of the day make decisions and policies without any consideration of these timeless principles. Grand scale corruption of top government officers, suspicious deaths, irresponsible spending on dubious projects while cutting allocations for essential services, poor educational and health services, lack of electricity and clean water, land grabs, racial discrimination, curtailment of religious freedom – the list of our trials and tribulations seems endless. In Sarawak, the people are beginning to express resentment about the erosion of our rights and the neglect by the federal government. Sarawak and Sabah have been relegated to being mere states of Malaysia rather than being equal partners with Malaya; we have become two of the poorest ‘states’ in Malaysia, even with our abundant natural resources. It is necessary at this point to address the criticisms hurled at Sarawak and Sabah in response
to the growing voices calling for our rights to be recognised and respected. Many of those vitriolic people asking us to leave Malaysia are ignorant of the history of the formation of Malaysia. It was not Sarawak that asked for Malaysia to be formed – it was the Tunku Abdul Rahman’s idea, formulated to address the exigencies of the time. As the late James Wong wrote so succinctly in the foreword of his book ‘The Birth of Malaysia’: “The covenants stipulated in the IGC Report and the London Agreement are sacrosanct and must be honoured, respected and preserved, both according to its letter and spirit. No two ways about it. All Malaysians must demonstrate a firm, genuine commitment towards this undertaking. Our powers must be restored and our rights returned. Our status as a partner must be recognised.” Tunku Abdul Rahman said that one of the objectives of the formation of Malaysia was to improve our standard of living and our technical skills so that ‘the gap between a relatively backward state and the advanced would be narrowed , not widened’. Not one reader would disagree with me that the gap has not narrowed – on the contrary, it has stretched and widened beyond imagination. The Chief Minister of Sarawak said it too, as reported on The Borneo Post, dated Sept 8: “If we are left behind by 10 to 20 years, I can still understand; but if we are behind by half a century, I can’t tolerate it anymore’. The CM was speaking in the context of our schools and education policy, but the same observation also applied to many other aspects of our beloved
Sarawak. We have been in a dreamless time warp and it is time to snap out of it. The people must not tolerate being exploited and ignored anymore. We must cast off the ‘poor cousin’ mentality and demand that Peninsular Malaysia live up to their end of the agreement. The chief minister has to put the interest of Sarawakians before his ties with the Umno/Barisan Nasional (BN) political leaders. The PM was camped in Sarawak for many days during the recent election campaign, promising endless goodies for Sarawak if the BN won the Sarawak election. True to his reputation and that of Umno/BN, nothing has been forthcoming from him since. He refuses point blank to increase our oil royalties and gives us the runaround about autonomy for Sarawak. How much longer is our CM going to take this insult? For the sake of Sarawak, I suggest that the chief minister dissociate himself from BN so he can truly fight like a Sarawakian warrior. The people of Sarawak would stand behind him fully and we can, hopefully, start to live the dream we had lost for 53 years – the dreams that our forefathers had for us. Let us all shout ‘Agi Idup Agi Ngelaban’ so that our future generations could truly cheer ‘Ooo Ha’ in the years to come. I have the faith and confidence in my fellow Sarawakians that we can work together to make Sarawak the glorious land of our dreams. > Baru Bian is Ba Kelalan assemblyman and chairman of Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Sarawak
special supplement
How the Kelabits rewrite the script on their life-paths
Friday, September 16, 2016
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An aerial view of Bario.
By Philip Kiew
THEY walked for weeks through the jungle to further their education in urban schools. Years later, some walk in corridors of power while others are trailblazers on both the domestic and international scene. Despite being one the smallest communities in the state, the 6,000-strong Kelabit community’s extraordinary vertical mobility has propelled them upwards in the social strata, as they are now perched confidently across the board on the state, national and global stage. The Kelabits, and the larger Orang Ulu community, celebrate Malaysia Day with all Malaysians – feeling blessed to be citizens of this nation despite the challenges, issues and difficulties encountered since the formation of Malaysia. “Whatever the critics may have said or continue to say about whether we’re better or worse off since the formation of Malaysia – it is a fact that the Kelabit community has much to be grateful for as Malaysians,” said Datuk Gerawat Gala, the first Kelabit lawyer who recently became the first Kelabit deputy speaker of the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) after winning a four-corner fight at the May 7 state election this year in the newly-created Mulu state constituency. His rise marks the first time that the Kelabit community has had a voice in DUN since the formation of Malaysia – a big, commanding voice at that. His progress, and many
Without Malaysia, we Kelabits would not have all these opportunities; we would probably still be lacking infrastructure and without much accessibility in our remote locations. We, in Malaysia, are on par with any community in the world now.
Datuk Gerawat Gala
others, shines the spotlight on the heart-tugging story of the Kelabit people’s transformation. Golden generation of Kelabits When Malaysia was formed in 1963, there were only two primary schools, two rural clinics manned by dressers, no piped water supply, no electricity, no inter-village roads in Bario and none connecting the highlands with town, and only one rural grass runway for a nine-seater Norman Highlander plane. There were less than 10 primary school teachers and no university graduate from the community. Today, there are five primary schools and one junior secondary school, five ‘Klinik Desa’ (rural clinics) manned by a doctor, medical assistants and nurses, gravity feed piped water supply, 24-hour electricity supply, about 20km of concrete and gravel inter-village roads in Bario, more than 300km of upgraded logging road
— Councillor John Terawe Kuda, Miri City councillor
John Terawe shows the documents cerƟfying e-Bario as a licensed content applicaƟon service provider under the MCMC.
Chief Minister Datuk PaƟnggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem (centre) puƫng on a tradiƟonal Kelabit vest during an event hosted by Rurum Kelabit Sarawak. connecting all the settlements in the Kelabit highlands with Miri. There are four all-weather tarsealed rural airports serviced by 19-seater MASwings Twin Otters, not less than 50 teachers in primary and secondary schools, lecturers in colleges and universities – locally and overseas. There are over 700 diploma and degree holders – about 10 per cent of the small Kelabit population – with graduates having benefitted from various forms of government sponsorship and assistance in the course of their studies. Among these graduates are nine with PhDs, more than 20 lawyers, a judge, more than 10 doctors including specialists, a number of very successful professionals in the oil and gas industry, and also private entrepreneurs. Gerawat said the community had much to be grateful for as they acknowledged the support and assistance that the Malaysian government had given to them, despite the challenging environment in the remote Kelabit highlands. “Most of all, as a community we are thankful to God for the many blessings on us channelled through our government and other parties that have enabled our community to progress since the formation of Malaysia,” he said. Indeed, the community has given back and contributed dedicated and distinguished services to the state and nation over the years in various capacities in government, the private sector and as non-governmental organisations (NGOs). Among them are Henry Lian Aran, the first Kelabit graduate who was a director of human resources in Shell Malaysia in the 1990s after a series of international postings; Dr Rolland Dom Mattu, the first Kelabit doctor who is now a well-recognised oil and gas specialist in Sarawak; as well as Dr Philip Raja, paediatrician and children’s heart specialist. Datuk Seri Idris Jala, another outstanding achiever who created many
The e-Bario, the successful ICT project that serves to provide Bario folk with Internet access. It was launched in 2003.
Tanjong Lobang College 1976-1977 alumni (from leŌ) Medan, Idris Jala and the present Industrial and Entrepreneur Development, Trade and Investment Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan reminiscing the ‘good, old days’ during their class reunion last year. firsts on his way to the top – as Shell Malaysia’s managing director (MD) and chief executive officer (CEO) of the gas business of Shell Malaysia; MD and CEO of Malaysia Airlines (MAS); and the first Kelabit in federal cabinet as Minister in the Prime Minister Department and the CEO of the nation’s Performance Management and Delivery Unit (Pemandu). Datu Ose Murang also became the first Kelabit division resident, permanent secretary and deputy state secretary. Datu Robert Lian is another trailblazer, in his former capacity as director of Immigration Sarawak; and Dato Mohd Medan Maya being the first Kelabit to be MD of MLNG Group of Companies in Malaysia and vice president of Gazprom for East Asia region. Dato Isaac Lugun is the current president of Rurum Kelabit Sarawak and one of the community’s successful corporate leaders. After a successful career in Petronas and Exxon, he is now MD/CEO of Samalaju Group of Companies, responsible for the development of Samalaju township and industrial development which is part of Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE). There are successful entrepreneurs in Osart Jallong and Peru Balan Ding in the oil and gas sector; and Asa Laba, the regional manager (Asia Pacific) for one of the international oil and gas companies. Supang Lian is the first High Court Judge from the community. The ‘Teripun’, or Kelabit community museum and cultural centre in Bario costing RM1.2 million, was set up to preserve their cultural and traditional roots. It is touted as Malaysia’s first community museum.
Creating social empowerment with education The Kelabits owe their prominent rise to an early start and singleminded pursuit of education, starting with the first school in the highlands opened in February 1946 by Tom Harrison, a former British soldier who lived with the Kelabits for two years after the Second World War. He roped in Pual Kohuan, a student of CMA Theological School in Makassar of the Celebes Island in Indonesia, to start the first school in the Bario highlands at Pa Main, which has the longest longhouse in the eastern part of that area. By the end of 1948, three of the adult students were sent to Batu Lintang Teachers Training College – Idris’ father Henry Jala, David Lian and Stephen Baraok. Upon graduation, Henry went to open a school in Long Lellang Kelabit village, David joined Kohuan to teach at Pa Main, while Baroak became an upriver agent for the community in Bario, paving the way for others to take the high road to a better future. Bright Kelabit students trekked through the formidable jungles and mountains to further their education in Tanjong Lobang Secondary School in Miri in the early years. They went on to rise to the top in their respective fields in the public and private sectors, while others studies in Marudi or Long Lama secondary schools. Miri City Councillor John Terawe of Bario said, without a shadow of doubt, the community and Bario had progressed in leaps and bounds physically, socially and economically. “Without Malaysia, we Kelabits would not have all these opportunities; we would probably still be lacking infrastructure and without much accessibility in our remote locations. We, in Malaysia, are on par with any community in the world
now,” said Terawe, who is formerly a Marudi District councillor. Forefathers such the late Nulun Tuan, who never went to school but was well-known for his humour and interest in learning to speak English, were a sharp contrast to the eloquent younger generations. While Nulun knew how and when to say ‘yes’, ‘no’, ‘good’, ‘no good’ and ‘where are you going’, today’s Kelabits are now respected on the international stage. All the way to the UN John Terawe has been on such a stage, receiving international accolades, including the ‘Equator Prize’ on behalf of the Alliance of the Indigenous People of the Highlands of Borneo (Formadat) which was held as part of the United Nations (UN) Conference on Climate Change in Paris, France, on Dec 7 last year. Attributing early community centralisation, education and later technology as the three main thrusts of this transformation, John Terawe joked that Bario was probably more well-known than Miri city on the international scene, when it came to exposure and international accolades received over the years. He was instrumental in the onset of the telecommunications era under the pilot e-Bario ICT project with Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) and Malaysian Multimedia Communications Commission (MCMC), which propelled Bario and the Kelabits onto the international scene – earning international accolades and drawing tourists to the remote highlands of Sarawak. The e-Bario opened the door to listing Kelabits as one of the seven most intelligent ethnic communities, in that anyone from Bario can access Kuala Lumpur or any part of the world via Internet.
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special supplement
Friday, September 16, 2016
Masjid Al-Qadim Mosque – the oldest mosque in Sibu that is still standing, although its surroundings have changed a lot.
Friday, September 16, 2016
Old Sibu — History and heritage through snapshots
The early days of Queensway (now Tun Abang Haji Openg Road). This photo explains why the Chinese called it the ‘Electrical Wire Road’. Now, it is a dual-carriageway – one of the busiest roads in Sibu.
A scene at Lanang Camp during the emergency period.
The busy wharf next to Rajang Port Authority, back in the days when many still relied on water transportation. Vessels used to ply between Sibu and other places as far as Singapore. At the time also, many people were using paper umbrellas, as can be seen on the photo.
The rebuilding of Sungai Merah town after the Second World War. The wooden block had long been demolished and in its place today, rows of concrete shophouses stand.
British officials inspecting a parade of honour at Cross Road.
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The captured scene shows the aftermath of the ‘Great Fire of Sibu’ in 1928. All features as seen on this photo are gone, except for the tree at the centre and the concrete block on the right. The raintree in front of Tua Pek Kong Temple is now the oldest tree in Sibu Central Business District. Tua Pek Kong Temple was also rebuilt. By Raymond Tan & Jane Moh
THERE is no better gift to offer in celebration of the birthday of Malaysia than the memories of the Sibu townsfolk, who have walked down the path of progress together. This is the cherished gift from the Photographic Society of Sibu, as its chairman Ting Siew Ping has agreed to share the photographs taken and collected by their members with The Borneo Post. The society, which formed in 1952, has photographs taken during the days of the White Rajah, the British colonial era after the Japanese Occupation up till the formation of Malaysia. Ting said some places shown on the photographs had been wiped out in history, while others had undergone major changes. “The townsfolk have all contributed to nation-building. We shall share these warm memories to remember our unity and love in the photographs. All races, all
people have played an equal role in building this harmonious Fairland Sarawak.” Ting said some of society members who contributed the photographs had died; some had left town: “But, these warm memories from them will remain for our young generations.” He said they had exhibited some of these photographs during the annual Borneo Cultural Festival, but the organiser could never have a space big enough to exhibit all their collections.
The townsfolk have all contributed to nation-building. We shall share these warm memories to remember our unity and love in the photographs. All races, all people have played an equal role in building this harmonious Fairland Sarawak. — Ting Siew Ping, Photographic Society of Sibu chairman
The Borneo Post has reprinted some of these pictures for this Malaysia Day special supplement to celebrate the unity and aspiration of the people.
From ‘Sibau’ to Sibu
Sibu has progressed since the 1850s when the Chinese settlers, mostly the Hokkiens and some Teochews, first arrived. The town was formerly called ‘Sibau’ – named after the wild rambutan found abundant along the river basin. This name was given by Sibu Resident on June 1, 1873; before that, the town was called ‘Maling’, after Tanjung Maling at the confluence of Rajang and Igan rivers. Tanjung Men rowing their boats up Lembangan Maling had River. In the early days, the river was developed from deep enough for a Chinese junk to sail a fi shing and through. On the photo, the left bank farming village, leads to Pulau Babi and the right, to Sibu populated Island.
mostly by the Malays and the Melanaus. By the time when the town was renamed Sibau, the Hokkiens had arrived. From 1901, the Foochow, Hin Hua and Cantonese settlers began to arrive as Rajah Brooke opened Sibu for agricultural development to help the ‘Kingdom of Sarawak’ achieve self-sufficiency in food. The earliest and the most precious memories of the photographic society’s collection were those taken in 1928 after the ‘Great Fire of Sibu’. There was only one main street then – Channel Road, built of wooden shops with ‘attap’ roof and ‘belian’ beams. The fire wiped out the town, but soon rising from the ashes was the first concrete block of shops – it still stands today at Chew Geok Lin Road, beside Tua Pek Kong Temple. From there, modern Sibu began to emerge. Today, there are nearly 300,000 people in Sibu Division. Town between two islands Penghulu Soon Choon Hoo has an interesting tale on the progress of Sibu. He said the town initially sat on two islands at the river front – Pulau Babi (now Khoo Peng Loong Road), so named because of a pig’s slaughterhouse there; and the Sibu Town island. Lembangan River separated these two islands. In 1956, the Pulau Babi Bridge linked the islands. Soon said the two islands vanished because
part of the Lembangan River had been reclaimed; for the remaining part, the Sibu Central Market was built over it. The community leader said streets of the old town were named after the businesses of the people and their geographical positions – Bank Road (named after the first bank of Sibu, the ‘Hwa Tak Bank’), Workshop Road, Blacksmith Road, Channel Road (named after the channel of Lembangan River running in parallel with the road), Mission Road (where the Catholic Mission formerly was), Cross Road, Island Road and Kampung Nyabor Road (an early Malay village that had given way to commercial development). Sibu grew from being a fishing and farming village during the Brooke era to becoming the commercial hub of Sarawak in the Colonial times and later, a booming town in the 70s and 80s. It sprouted as a town full of trishaws to one flooded with bicycles in the 60s. It is noteworthy to mention that during the timber trade boom in the 80s, the townsfolk cheekily regarded Sibu as ‘where most Mercedes Benz cars were found in Sarawak’. Today, Sibu has diversified in businesses. Soon said: “Sibu will continue to progress in the harmony of ‘Fairland Sarawak’. Despite its changing faces, its fine characters of warm hospitality and friendship will remain. This will be the graceful landmark of Sibu. This is the best birthday gift from Sibu for the nation.”
This building at Island Road, belonging to a timber company, no longer exists. The site is now a carpark area in front of the Trade and Exhibition Centre, next to Rajang Port Authority. One can see Sarawak and British flags in front of the building.
A Malayan Airways aeroplane at the former Sibu Airport – one of a few in service during the colonial times. After the formation of Malaysia, came Malaysia Singapore Airline (MSA). Now, the company is known as Malaysia Airlines (MAS).
The old Mission Road, with the Catholic Mission buildings at the background.
This is how a petrol station looked like in the 60s. This Shell station still stands at the junction linking Central Road with Kampung Nyabor Road, but has undergone major transformation since then.
Choir members singing at the earth-breaking ceremony of the new Masland Church at Brooke Drive.
How Sibu Central police station looked like during the colonial days, with the Union Jack flags hanging on the facade.
The natives in their traditional attire during a British government function at Sibu town.
The Blacksmith Road. The coffee shop on the left has been taken over by another business. On the right is the Chartered Bank building still under construction.
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special supplement
Friday, September 16, 2016
Reminiscences of a retired teacher By Peter Boon
AS a young teacher, barely 20 years old, Pemanca James Sembilan had his first posting at SK Sungei Semah – a remote primary school near Bintangor – after having graduated from Batu Lintang Teachers Training College in Kuching in 1962. Bintangor, a rural riverine town, was known as ‘Binatang’ back then. Facilities for the teachers were rudimentary – there was no treated water supply and his quarters which he had to share with two other teachers, was a small thatched house of ‘nipah’ (sago) palm leaves and bamboo. They collected rainwater for drinking and household use, while the river was their bathroom and to ensure adequate water supply, James and his colleagues dug a well near their quarters. “There was no basic amenities, like treated water supply, in those days. So, we had to collect rainwater for our daily needs,” he said, reminiscing the early days of his teaching career. James looked forward to school holidays, when he could relieve his homesickness and return to his longhouse in Bawang Assan near Sibu. The only way to get out of Nanga Semah was via river transport; unless one was willing to take a long, arduous trek through the forest. “Life was tough then as there was no road connectivity. We depended solely on river transportation to travel to town,” he related. Public river transport in rural Sarawak back then was the ‘Motor Chalo’ – lumbering wooden launches that transported both passengers and cargoes along the waterways of Sarawak. Motor Chalo remain the ‘King of the River’ till the advent of the ‘sleek’ express boats, which could travel more than twice faster. Despite the hardship that he had to endure throughout his youth, James treasured the fond memories of these river trips. “Powered by a small engine, the boat travelled very slowly and stopped at various points to pick up or disembark passengers. “We had to wake up very early (to board the Motor Chalo) and by the time we reached Bawang Assan, it was already late morning. “Similarly, if we wanted to go to town from Bawang Assan, we had to wake up very early because if you missed the boat, you had to wait for it the next day. “The boat only made a single trip daily.” The monthly pay of teachers in those days started with only RM150 – a paltry sum by today’s standards, but quite a lot back then. “In those days, a salary of RM150 was adequate to feed the entire family,” said James, who has three
Pemanca James Sembilan children. Moreover, life was laidback at Sungai Semah as the jungles and rivers there provided plenty of food. With nothing to spend on other than the bare necessities, James and his colleagues could actually save a portion of their salaries every month. James taught at SK Sungei Semah up to 1969 – he became the headmaster there in 1965. He continued to teach at other rural schools until retirement. His last posting was as a headmaster at SK Tanjung Penasu in Sibu – from July 1997 to December 1998.
Early education The teaching aid and materials that James had to use in class were basic, but they were a far cry from what he had to make do with during his own school days. He still remembers right after the Japanese occupation, there was a private wooden house next to his longhouse, Rumah Gerinang, which he regarded as his school when he was a small boy. “There was no book or any proper writing materials back then. “Students sat together on a long bench and the room was not partitioned,” said James, who was born on Dec 31, 1943. Around 1950s, the local council built a wooden school through ‘gotong-royong’ (communal work party). James could not recall the name of the school – except that it conducted classes for Primary 1 to 6 pupils. Later, he moved to a Methodist Primary school in Sibu to pursue Primary 6. Back in the 1950s, there were no government school in Sibu, according to him. James went on to continue his secondary education at the Methodist Secondary School. “For rural youngsters during those days, it was not easy to go to secondary school because their parents were required to cover
For rural youngsters during those days, it was not easy to go to secondary school because their parents were required to cover for the expenses like the school fees and those for accommodation – unlike today where education is free and accessible to all. So, my parents had to struggle to see me through school.
James (second left) with SK Sungei Semah committee in Bintangor.
— Pemanca James Sembilan, former teacher
for the expenses like the school fees and those for accommodation – unlike today where education is free and accessible to all. “So, my parents had to struggle to see me through school. I still remember in those days, the Ibans depended heavily on farming, including rubber tapping, for their livelihood.” Back then, James said most parents in Bawang Assan placed little emphasis on their children’s education – including his own. “I wanted to go school because I saw (other) people were going to school. It was as simple as that,” he chuckled. In the years before and early 1950s, teachers were not properly trained – those with education level of between Primary 4 and 6 were deemed eligible enough to become teachers. “However, the requirements became more stringent in 1960s when teachers must have at least secondary level education,” said James.
James (seated, right) with his coursemates at Batu Lintang Teachers Training College in Kuching.
Turbulent years — Confrontation and communist insurgency Early in his teaching career, James went through the Confrontation declared by Indonesia, which was against the formation of Malaysia; and the communist insurgency from the late 1950s to the early 1970s SK Sungai Semah was one of the ‘hotspots’ for communist activities throughout that period. James said soldiers from the Commonwealth countries, especially those from Britain, would pass the area during operations against the communists. “The British soldiers would sometimes stop to chat with the villagers before continuing their treks into the jungles.” However, Sungei Semah – like areas far from the SarawakKalimantan border – was not affected by the small-scale war with Indonesia during the Confrontation. James considered himself lucky that at the height of the communist insurgency, he was posted to a town school in Bintangor. He learned from his friends that many schools in rural areas were affected by the clashes between the Commonwealth forces and the communists. For him, his only ‘war experiences’ then were the curfew imposed in Sibu, and the sound of gunfights from the jungles. “We could also hear the loud firing of cannons every half-hour from the town area.”
James (seated, sixth right) with his first batch of pupils in 1962.
Role as community leader
Young women posing for the camera in front of the school, which was made from wood, in Bawang Assan. It was built by the local council in the 1950s.
In the old days, teachers were – and still are – well-respected figures in any community in Sarawak, especially in the rural areas. As such, it was natural that many looked up to James as a community leader upon his retirement. His experience in education helped him a lot in undertaking his role as a ‘Pemanca’ – a position that he has been holding since March 10 last year. On his hope for his community, the former teacher said he was thankful to the government for transforming Bawang Assan into what it is today. Moreover, he said having been in the teaching profession for so long, his hope would be for the Dayak community to place a strong emphasis on education. “To the parents in rural longhouses and villages, my advice is for them to ensure that their children attain the highest education possible – even up to PhD level,” he said.
This picture taken in 1957 shows the Methodist Secondary School, where James received his secondary education.
A photo taken in 1968 shows the pupils and teachers of SK Sungei Semah in Bintangor, where James taught. Back then, Bintangor was still known as ‘Binatang’, as can be seen on the banner.
special supplement
Friday, September 16, 2016
E9
Photo shows then-Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abdul Rahman Ya’kub addressing the troops during Operation Ngayau in Kanowit in 1971.
The Nanga Ngungun Resettlement Scheme in the early days.
Ex-Border Scout recounts terror at Pendam Bukang By Conny Banji
BLOOD was oozing out from a gash on Tukau Akam’s forehead as he rushed down Sungai Ngemah in Kanowit District. He began to feel numbness on his left arm, which was swollen. He then reached for a lighter inside his pocket and lit it to check the time on his wristwatch. “It’s almost 4am,” he sighed. Tukau has been on the run the whole night after a longboat carrying 16 Border Scouts was ambushed by communists at Pendam Bungkang in Sungai Ngemah. Only four survived the attack on the afternoon of Aug 27, 1970 – Tukau himself and his comrades Jandah Buie, Kalabet Lampun and Sylvester Dusi Chaong. Those who perished were Numbu Kelen, Lat Gangga, Pantau Baro, Kanchin Ligan, Gelau Sumor, Emba Garing, Senang Bajai, Skudan Dampak, Jantom Jalong, Jantom Narok, Brayin Balit and Luyoh Jaul. With the incident still fresh in his mind, Tukau – now 78 – said they received command to take down the flags and emblems erected by the communists at Nanga Baluh located further upriver from Pendam Bungkang. “Our group was led by Cpl Numbu and Cpl Lat. We boarded a longboat, rented from Song police station, to Sungai Ngemah on that fateful day. “The river was shallow due to the dry season. Upon reaching Pendam Bungkang, shots were fired suddenly at us. “The longboat hit something in the water, causing it to spin out of control and in all that panic, I saw my comrades being shot – some fell into the river,” he said. Tukau took a hit on his left arm, and also between his left index finger and thumb. Another shot could have killed him – that bullet only grazed his forehead, tearing the skin there. According to Tukau, the Border Scouts could not retaliate because the enemy troops were too quick. The surviving Scouts then jumped into the water. “Even then, the enemy troops kept on shooting from the left side of the riverbank. Jandah swam towards the riverbank at the other side and I followed him. “He managed to get ashore and ran along the downstream as fast as he could until he disappeared into the thick bushes,” he said. Tukau, who was still struggling in the water, saw Kalabet hiding under a rock and Dusi taking cover under protruding tree roots – just below the riverbank where the communist soldiers were standing. The sound of gunfire echoed loudly as Tukau reached for the riverbank. By then, the enemy troops had come out from their hideout. He could see four of them heading towards the longboat that the Border Scouts boarded earlier. Several of them (communists) seized guns and ammunition from the longboat, while others chased after the Border Scouts who were still alive.
I don’t remember how long I ran. I stopped near Nanga Sebabi; that’s when I felt the numbness on my left arm. I fell asleep there. Only when I woke up to the crow of the roosters in the morning that I realised I was not far from Rumah Langi. — Tukau Akam, former Border Scout
I stopped near Nanga Sebabi; that’s when I felt the numbness on my left arm. “I fell asleep there. Only when I woke up to the crow of the roosters in the morning that I realised I was not far from Rumah Langi,” he said. Tukau got up and walked towards the longhouse, where a villager spotted him near the ‘tanju’ (verandah). He was later brought to one of the rooms, where he was served coffee before being taken to see the longhouse chieftain. After that, Tukau was brought to Rumah Penghulu Ajut at Nanga Nirok and there, he was treated by the army medical team, which was deployed together with the Border Scouts on the same day they received the information about the attack at Pendam Bungkang. The remains of Tukau’s comrades were later taken to Sibu, while Tukau was sent to Kapit to receive further treatment. As far as the other surviving Scouts, Jandah lost
two front teeth after a bullet tore his upper lip open. Kalabet was shot in the lower back, while Dusi was relatively unscathed. The two remained in hiding after the ambush, waiting for the rescue team to arrive that evening. Not long after the attack at Pendam Bungkang, a group of about 25 communist soldiers traced Tukau to his longhouse in Ulu Poi. “They threatened me against joining the security forces. Fearing for safety of my family, I resigned from the Border Scouts after that. The sight of my friends, who perished in the attack, still haunts me till today,” he said. A time of terror In the late 1960s and early 1970s, the communists terrorised and intimidated longhouse villagers not only in
Kanowit, but also in other areas. The terrorists even killed the Ibans living in the remote pockets along the Rajang Basin. Those spared were forced to support the communist’s cause and also supply food for the enemy. Diau Sapit, in his 70s, still remembers how the communists joined the longhouse villagers during padi harvesting at Ulu Tamang in Sungai Ngemah. “They would come to our longhouse, asking for rice or any other food when they ran out of supply. “They did not harm us; still, we were living in fear during that time,” he said.
Diau (right) and his older brother Mulai recall how in late 1960s and early 1970s, communists terrorised and intimidated the longhouse villagers back when they were still living in Ulu Tamang.
Setup of Rascom On March 25, 1972, the country’s second prime minister Tun Abdul Razak announced in Kuching the setup of the Rajang Area Security Command (Rascom) where civilians joined forces with police and the military in combating communist threats. A day after the formation of Rascom, the government launched ‘Operation Empuru’ following the killing of an Iban community leader Penghulu Imban Balang in Batang Oya on Feb 26, 1972. The incident struck fear into the longhouse dwellers in Batang Oya, who flocked to Nanga Sekuau to seek protection from the security forces. Under ‘Operation Empuru’, the Nanga Sekuau Resettlement Scheme was officially formed on March 26, 1972. The success of this operation led to the establishment of similar resettlement schemes under ‘Operation Bebatak’ – Nanga Jagau and Nanga Tada on April 2 and Dec 12, 1972, respectively; and Nanga Ngungun on July 12, 1973; followed by two smaller resettlements, namely Nanga Dap and Rantau Panjai. Rascom was regarded as an effort by the government to regroup longhouse villagers to protect them against communist threats. Over time, the government provided these resettlements with security posts, new longhouses, health clinics and schools. Rascom was a huge success for Sarawak and also for Malaysia, before it its official disbandment on Nov 9, 1994. However, the resettlements still exist till today.
The women resettlers at Nanga Ngungun being taught dressmaking and needlework skills by Civic Action Group (CAG) member Jeanap Ambas (second right).
This old combo-photo shows the homemade bombs, booby traps, metal cartridges and also medicines seized from the communists during an operation at Sungai Poi on June 20, 1973.
Tukau points at the scar he got from a gunshot.
Long, tiring night As the communists behind him shouted ‘Charge! Charge!’, Tukau ran as fast as he could into the bushes without looking back. “I don’t remember how long I ran.
An old photo shows Civilian Action Group (CAG) member Sylvia Sayah (right) teaching dressmaking and needlework to the womenfolk of Nanga Ngungun.
Former Kanowit MP Tan Sri Leo Moggie addressing the people during a ‘Meet-the-People’ session at Rumah Saribu in Kanowit in 1973.
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special supplement
Friday, September 16, 2016
Celebration highlights peace, unity and understanding among Sarawakians By Mary Francis
WHEN approached, 84-year-old Ungkeh Ragai appeared a bit puzzled.
She didn’t know how to react to my questions on Malaysia Day. However, after a brief explanation, she was more relaxed and straightforward. “We have been enjoying electricity and piped water supply since last year. Now, we don’t have to worry about water during the dry season, and we can also store our food inside refrigerators without any worry about it going bad – thanks to 24-hour electricity,” the native of Sungai Mallang Atas, Bakong in Baram told The Borneo Post. Ungkeh, whose husband passed away over three decades ago, has seven children, 21 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren - the modern generation who enjoy the modern lifestyle in the village.
Ungkeh Ragai
Bruce Chai
She is among the oldest villagers of Rumah Juliana Esah Kakok – a 15-door longhouse with a population of more than 200 people. It is located about a fiveminute drive from the main Bukit Peninjau-Bakong Road. It takes between 45 minutes to one hour to reach this longhouse from Miri city.
Celebrating diversity, remembering struggles
Douglas Akok, a resident of Sungai Saeh, shows the water storage tanks given by the government.
How I See it — Malaysia Day Special See Chee How
cheehow.sarawak@gmail.com
“WHAT are you going to do on Malaysia Day?” the man sitting at the next table suddenly asked his friend, casually but the eyes were condescending.
“…,” his friend sitting across the table fell into a long silence – his eyes were as cloudy as his ‘kopiC’. He obviously had not expected that question. But what answer are we expecting? Go and watch the state celebration? Go have a beer? Organise a house party? Set off some fireworks? But rarely were there more spectators than those functionaries, invited attendees and performers at the state gala. There wasn’t any pub or café offering a countdown merriment, any plan to host a barbecue will have to be put off because of mosquitoes. And who would risk annoying their neighbourhood by setting off fireworks on this day? The politicians’ rhetoric excepted, the general Sarawakian public does not think that one is more patriotic if he celebrates the Malaysia Day, or he is less patriotic if he does not. After all, Sarawakians are probably the only ones in this world celebrating ‘722’, ‘831’ and ‘916’ for nationhood. If nationhood is ‘essentially a psychological conception’ as some would articulate, we are suffering a ‘celebration fatigue’ – if there is such a term. But this day is most welcomed.
The weekend has gotten longer; no anxiety racing with the sun to see who wakes up earlier. The breakfast of ‘kolo mee’, ‘laksa’, ‘nasi lemak’ and ‘roti canai’ are somewhat special. They are not just to fill one’s stomach, but we can leisurely enjoy the taste and appreciate the craft of the chefs in the company of our families. A full day at Friendship Park catching Pokemon – why not? It is, after all … a public holiday. At some stage, the online news reporting from Tawau and Bintulu, and the debates over social network will kick in and tell us that there are some commemoration of nationhood in the distance. Still, the unexceptional festivity eccentrics at the celebration venues, laced with the now common ‘sick and tired’ reminders, will as quickly draw the curtain for the day. Why the political grouses and public apathy or indifference to nationhood, amongst Sarawakians? My learned friend, Dr Wong Chin Huat, remains the persistent lone voice calling for revisiting federalism in nation-building when Malaysia celebrates our nationhood. Every year, for the last many years, the political scientist and civil rights activist will enthusiastically write about federalism and suggests how it can work for Malaysia. For federalism to work, Dr Wong argues that it must have a meaningful arrangement of
For local longhouse chieftain Boniface Bada Enjah, Malaysia Day is a day to remember past leaders including the nation’s first prime minister Tunku Abdul Rahman. “It is a celebration for everybody, regardless of race and religion. As far as I’m concerned, Malaysia is the only nation where various ethnic groups are living in harmony with one another – regardless of their beliefs. “This is evident in Miri, where a ‘masjid’ (mosque) stands opposite a church in Lutong, and another a Chinese temple opposite a Hindu Temple in Taman Tunku. “Such examples highlight the peace, unity, tolerance and understanding among Sarawakians,” he said. On the development of his longhouse at Sungai Senga, Tanjong Baru in Suai, Niah, Bada said the road leading to it was upgraded to a tar-sealed one in 1999, while electricity supply was installed there last year. The villagers had also been receiving water storage tanks a number of times from the government. “We use the tanks to store water during the dry season. With good access road, it is easier for the villagers to go to town and buy things.” Bada said they also received funds under the government’s Minor Rural Project (MRP) grant to buy building materials and build bunds surrounding the longhouse to prevent flooding, in addition to
The 32-door modern Rumah Boniface Bada Enjah.
Douglas Akok points at the feeder road in Suai.
the subsidy for rubber planting. “When we first came to Suai in 1956, there were only six households at a wooden longhouse in Sungai Senga. “Now, we have a modern double-storey concrete longhouse comprising 32 households, with a population of 269,” he said, adding that his longhouse can be reached from Miri within a two-hour drive. About 60 per cent of the villagers are farmers, 30 per cent of them are government servants, while the remaining 10 per cents work in private sector. Within the larger Sungai Senga area, there are the Suai Feeder Road, 16 longhouses, three primary schools, two Malay villages, one
health clinic and an agricultural station. On behalf of his fellow villagers, Bada expressed his thanks and appreciation to the Barisan Nasional (BN) government for bringing development to the rural areas. “Although our village may not be fully developed in terms of facilities and infrastructures provided, we get to enjoy these things, which were non-existent in the past,” he acknowledged. Meaning for urban folk In general, many urban folk – especially the younger ones – learned about Sept 16 through books and studies, but only began
to realise its significance after the date was recognised as a national holiday in 2010. For city man Bruce Chai, Sept 16 is a very special day in that it marks the formation of the Federation of Malaysia. However, he feels that Aug 31 is also a significant date – one that every Malaysian should honour and uphold. “Indeed I am happy to be celebrating the 53rd year of Malaysia. We have been facing a lot of economic downturns and so many political issues but at the same time, Malaysia has proven that it is a country that can overcome any adversity, and that her people are united,” asserted the United People’s Party (UPP) Pujut branch chairman. Nevertheless, Chai believed that there was still a long way to go. “Sarawak may have progressed a lot over the last 53 years, but it still has a long way to go, especially in reaching the targets set for 2020 (Malaysia as an advanced economy) and 2030 (fullydeveloped status for Sarawak). The oil palm industry, Samalaju industrial park and various state government’s initiatives, especially those for the rural areas – all these need to be developed further. “Still, the future looks optimistic. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem, all these needs have been recognised. They are part of his major goals throughout his five-year tenure.”
Sarawakian voice for a more meaningful Malaysia Day ‘shared-rule’ in the hands of the national or federal government; and ‘self-rule’ in the hands of the sub-national or state governments. “This is to ensure national unity and regional diversity, so that distinct identities and group interests may be accommodated, preserved and promoted within a larger political union,” he wrote in his article ‘Making Federalism Real’. Questioning the Malayan-centric nation-building and centralisation of power in Kuala Lumpur, even after the Federation of Malaya had amalgamated with Sarawak and Sabah to become the Federation of Malaysia, it is argued that it is dependent upon Sarawak and Sabah for institutional changes to make federalism works for Malaysia. It is an interesting, but difficult proposition, in historical and all other contexts. Sarawakians were never given their voices, on nationhood, until this day. Sarawakians had have no say when the British first conceived the ‘Grand Design’ in1942 – a confederation of their five dominion territories of the federation of Malaya, Singapore, Sarawak, Sabah (North Borneo) and Brunei, with the setup of the office of the governor-general (later commissioner-general) of Southeast Asia. It was the British plan to stop Southeast Asia from turning ‘red’, the Federation of Malaya’s anxiety that Singapore was a hot bed for communism and threats to its power that the self-ruled island state must be brought into the Federation (Lee Kuan Yew was, at the same time, eagerly supporting the ‘merger’ for his reign), but Tunku Abdul Rahman was uneasy with the huge Chinese population in Singapore. To bring Sarawak and Sabah (with their population being majority indigenous communities)
on board was therefore the pre-condition and predominant consideration for the Federation of Malaya. It culminated to the significant plan of ‘Greater Malaysia’ announced by Tunku in May 1961. From the ‘Grand Design’ to ‘Greater Malaysia’, the gradual declassification of colonial official records in the Public Records Office and British Archives has presented a clearer picture of the transition between the end of the British rule and the ‘independence’ of four of the five British territories through Malaysia. On the whole, pockets of Sarawakians (and Sabahans) were given the opportunity for minimal participation in the consultative process presented by the Cobbold Commission. However, it was the British and Malayan governments that had unanimously agreed that the Federation of Malaysia was in the best interests of Sarawak and North Borneo (Sabah), in 1962. Largely the work of good colonial officers, with nominal contribution from a score of Sarawakians sitting in the sub-committees and attended the plenary sessions of the Inter-Governmental Committee (IGC), the Malaysia Agreement was concluded in 1963. Political reality, however, did not allow federalism to work in the Federation, especially after Singapore attained its independence through Malaysia – leaving Sarawak and Sabah much weakened territories to protect and safeguard their regional diversity, distinct identities and interests within the larger political union. The last two years have been, however, momentous to Malaysia. I cannot paraphrase nor verbalise it better than to say that God has a plan for Sarawak, over and above the grand designs and plans of men. And He is now giving Sarawakians
an opportunity to voice on the future of Sarawak, in Malaysia. The ‘Grundnorm’ or basic norm for the being of Sarawak in Malaysia must have been conceived before 1865, the year the Colonial Laws Validity Act was passe;, or latest 1895 when the Colonial Boundaries Act was enacted, to lay the foundation and decree the legitimacy of a nation state called ‘Sarawak’. The political and legislative process had resulted to numerous other norms, some more superior than the others: The Sarawak (Alteration of Boundaries) Order in Council 1954; the Orders for Definition and Alteration of Boundaries (1958, 1960 and 1962); the Oil Mining Ordinance 1958; the Federal Constitution of Malaysia; the various Orders of Emergency (Essential Powers) Ordinance 1969 notably to enforce the provisions of the Continental Shelf Act 1966 and the Petroleum Mining Act 1966 to Sarawak; the lifting of the Proclamation of Emergency in 2011; and the enactment of the Territorial Sea Act 2012 – all affecting the territorial integrity of Sarawak. On other fronts, human frailty has seen the autonomous powers, special privileges and rights of the state being eroded and signed away, entrenching the Malayancentric nation-building and centralisation of power in Kuala Lumpur and later, Putrajaya. The Chief Minister of Sarawak must be commended for his resolves to stem the tide and to regain the state’s integrity in nationhood. There have been undertakings for the return of autonomy and devolution of powers to Sarawak as enshrined in the words and spirits of the Malaysia Agreement. While it is still very much workin-progress, the chief minister have shown that he is resolute
in exercising his administrative prerogatives to further the Sarawak’s cause. The voice of Sarawak never rang louder before this. It is time for the chief minister to take another step forward on this Malaysia Day. A firm and resilient representation to the federal government to amend or repeal the Territorial Sea Act 2012 and resume our rights to all the natural resources within our territorial boundary will ensure that the state will have the needed funds to finance the basic amenities and infrastructural development, to uplift the livelihood of all Sarawakians. We must seize this opportunity to right all the frailties of the last 53 years, to return to the basic norm which was a divine-constructed more than 150 years ago – the basis that Sarawak could and should have built on and be the ‘Fairland’ much better than what she is today. There is still hope. We can maintain positive and optimistic. Despite all the setbacks, there is still hope for federalism to work, that meaningful arrangement of ‘shared-rule’ can be worked out in accordance with the Malaysia Agreement that was reached in 1963; if Sarawak acts – today. Not just for Sarawak (and Sabah), there is hope that the institutional changes will accord greater and more meaningful ‘shared-rule’ for all Malayan states to uplift the Federation. Indeed, it is the challenge of this Malaysia Day. Let the voices of Sarawakians (and Sabahans) ring loud, to initiate and make federalism works for Malaysia. From Sarawak, let us make Malaysia Day purposeful and glorious next year, like any other nations celebrating their nationhood.
special supplement
Friday, September 16, 2016
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Sarawakians begin to understand significance of ‘916’ DEBATES are still on about the understanding among Malaysians, especially the young Sarawakians, of the significance of Sept 16, 1963 (916).
Many argue on which date holds the highest prominence – Sarawak Day on July 22, National Day on Aug 31, or Malaysia Day on Sept 16. Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg says Sept 16 is a historical date, because it was when Malaysia was declared independent and sovereign back in 1963. “In the years to come, I hope that Malaysia will continue to prosper, and that the people remain united. Everybody sacrifices for the sake of this country. We work together so that this country remains peaceful and the people will benefit from it,” he said recently. In July this year, Abang Johari was quoted as having said that July 22, 1963 was when Tan Sri Datuk Amar Stephen Kalong Ningkan was appointed Sarawak Chief Minister, and the Supreme Council comprising Sarawak’s ministerial cabinet was formed. The steps towards the formation of Malaysia, however, were from July 9 up to Sept 15 that same year. Abang Johari said as a 11year-old at the time, he saw that Sarawak gained her full independence when his father Tun Datuk Abang Openg Sapiee was sworn in as its first governor. “Personally, I think that Sept 16 should be the real date to be celebrated as Sarawak’s Independence Day. Before Sept 16, 1963, the (British) Union Jack flag still flew over the Astana (official residence of the Head of State). “Whatever it is, I’ll leave it to the historians,” he told reporters at a press conference in Wisma Bapa Malaysia in Kuching on July 14 this year. Welfare, Women and Community Wellbeing Minister Datuk Fatimah Abdullah believed that all three dates should be remembered by all Sarawakians. Adding on, she pointed out that as far as Malaysian history was concerned, it must include the correct facts on these important dates. “We hope that in the spirit of 1Malaysia, we could celebrate these dates in the spirit of ‘muhibbah’ (solidarity) and respect, so that we can continue to enjoy the peace that we have all this while. If we want to achieve a developed country status, we must have peace. If we want to enjoy peace, we cannot be complacent. “We must put in the efforts and work towards peace, and this requires the cooperation of all. We do not want any element that can divide us and disrupt the harmony of our people. Our diversity must never divide us; instead, it should unite us,” she said. In a similar sentiment, Works Minister Datuk Fadillah Yusof said with the peace and solidarity: “We can become a prosperous nation.” “Thankfully, we are living in a peaceful nation. This is especially so after the government has declared two important dates for public holidays, which is National Day and Malaysia Day. With the inclusion of Sarawak Day on July 22, we have these important dates for us remember our history and the people’s struggles in gaining independence,” said Fadillah, who is Petra Jaya MP. Meanwhile Federation of Kuching, Samarahan and Serian Divisions Chinese Associations president Dato Richard Wee said Malaysia Day should be recognised as the day Malaysia was formed, whereas Aug 31 should be celebrated as Independence Day. “Malaysia Day is more significant to Sarawak and Sabah compared with Independence Day. Peninsular Malaysia may celebrate that day (Aug 31) in a more elaborate way whereas we, in Sarawak and Sabah, should concentrate on the main celebration on Sept 16. “After all, it was on Sept 16, 1963, that Malaysia was truly formed – although the agreement might have been signed earlier.” For Miri Mayor Adam Yii, he acknowledged that prior to its declaration as a public holiday by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak in 2010, Sept 16 was
Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg not officially accorded with due recognition and thus, it was not celebrated. “Of course, Miri as the non-capital city in the country has been very eager in organising events such as ‘Malaysia Day Countdown’ concert on the eve of the occasion. However due to the lack of time for any preparation, we may have to forego the countdown concert this year,” he said. Still, Yii was proud to see the tremendous changes in Miri over the past 53 years. “Miri began as a small fishing town – now, it is very modern, with a myriad of infrastructures and amenities. We are optimistic that Miri will progress further under the wise and pragmatic leadership of Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem. “Although we still have a long way to go in educating and instilling in young Malaysians, especially Sarawakians, the historical knowledge about Sept 16, it is better late than never,” he said. More than just a holiday Miri City Councillor Ernest Goh was very honest when he was asked about the significance of Sept 16. “Shamefully, I admit that I only learn about Malaysia Day after it was announced as a public holiday. Having said that, I believe that many other Malaysians, particularly Sarawakians, were like me. Before 2010, we only celebrated Aug 31 – like 916 never existed.” Nevertheless, Goh began to learn more about the history behind Malaysia Day. “After that, I grew to love and honour Malaysia, its history of
Mayor Adam Yii
Karambir says more Sarawakians are becoming more aware of the significance of Malaysia Day, which signifies the creation of a new country based on Malaysia Agreement 1963.
Dato Richard Wee becoming a nation, and also the unification of territories that are separated by the South China Sea. “Therefore, I think that more measures should be undertaken to encourage all Malaysians to learn and understand this history, as well as to pass it on to our future generation.” Echoing Yii’s disappointment about the non-possibility of a Malaysia Day Countdown concert this year, Goh said it was unfortunate that the Miri City Council had too little time to organise it. “We do hope that it could be held next year.” Meanwhile, Miri Indian Association (MIA) president Councillor Karambir Singh Honey suggested Sarawak government to undertake research and compilation of materials for the publication of a book relating accurate and comprehensive history of Sarawak and Federation of Malaysia. “More Sarawakians are becoming more aware of the significance of Malaysia Day, which signifies the
creation of a new country based on Malaysia Agreement 1963. Still, there are many young people who do not fully understand such importance; hence the need to educate these young Sarawakians about the role and rights of Sarawak under the Malaysia Agreement 1963.” Karambir hoped that the Sarawak government could complete such book as soon as possible. “I see this as being highly necessary. However, such move could begin with a basic booklet on ‘History of Sarawak’ to be distributed to every young Sarawakian.” On behalf of the Chinese Mirians, Miri Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCCI) chairman Lee Khoi Yun also highlighted a suggestion. He proposed for the Education Ministry and relevant associations to work hand-in-hand in various plans to educate the young ones. “To be honest, it is vital to learn about the past – namely the history – for a nation to be strong. I believe that many young Malaysians, especially the Sarawakians, don’t understand and may not even able to differentiate between July 22, Aug 31 and Sept 16. Perhaps, many of them only see these dates as public holidays. “Therefore, the government should embark on programmes
Teo believes that it is vital for children to be educated about the full-fledged history of Malaysia at school.
to educate youngsters – maybe through specific learning or publication of books. This could be an arduous task, but the first step must be taken to pave the way for others to follow,” he said. Lee acknowledged that the advancement in technology and social media had brought significant changes and influence to everyday life these days. “People, young and old, can easily obtain information about anything, whether it is accurate or false. Those who do not know about the history of Malaysia could easily believe the wrong information, while ignoring the facts. Therefore, it is only right to get them to learn and understand the right facts in history,” he said. Respect and understanding Othman Yusof, who hails from Matu and works as a technician at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak in Kota Samarahan, opined that it is the responsibility of Sarawakian leaders to point out the significance of July 22, Aug 31 and Sept 16. “Should there be any error (on information about these dates), the leaders are the ones responsible in reminding their fellow Malaysians what the dates mean to the people. “Having said this, I believe that as Sarawakians, we are lucky that our
present batch of leaders have this realisation. Under their guidance, July 22 and Sept 16 are now being celebrated more than before. However, Sarawakians must also respect Aug 31,” he said. Agreeing with Othman, John Brandie of Kota Samarahan emphasised that Sept 16 marked more than the formation of Malaysia. “The date should also be recognised as the day when the country became truly united and independent in 1963; when Sarawak, Sabah and Malaya merged as equal partners under Malaysia.” Teo Fang Wui of Bintulu hoped that the younger generation would uphold Sept 16, adding that in this respect, education remained the key. “Our children should be educated about the full-fledged history of Malaysia at school. “Without any lesson, our history might be interpreted differently and if this continued, our history would be lost forever. “On this, I believe that a review or even a reform is needed, especially on what is written in our History textbooks. “Simply said, the Malaysian history must be told correctly and a big part of this responsibility falls on our leaders’ shoulders,” Teo said.
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special supplement
Friday, September 16, 2016
A walk through time: From Brooke Era to Malaysia Day 1835 — Beginning of the Sarawak Rebellion (against the Sultan of Brunei) led by Sarawak chief Datu Patinggi Ali.
1839 — James Brooke arrives at Kuching on the Royalist, carrying a message of thanks and presents from the Governor of Singapore to Rajah Muda Hassim in Sarawak. He returned later – at the request of Rajah Muda Hassim, the Sultan of Brunei – and suppressed the rebellion.
Sept 21, 1841 — James Brooke made ‘Rajah and Governor of Sarawak’ after Rajah Muda Hassim dismissed Makota. 1845 — The battle of Marudu Bay had James Brooke enlisting the help of the British Royal Navy in Singapore to defeat Sherif Osman, a famous pirate leader from North Borneo – a move that effectively ended the piracy. 1846 — Sultan of Brunei unhappy with the English and James Brooke. The first move against James Brooke was to order the killing of Englishmen and everybody in Brunei close to him including Rajah Muda Hassim, his brother Badruddin and other leaders in Brunei. Brooke attacked Brunei in retaliation – assisted by the British Navy, they capture the city. The Sultan was allowed to return to his palace after surrendering. In addition, he gave Sarawak completely to Brooke and his heirs – forever, without payment of any more money. In memory of Rajah Muda Hassim and Badruddin, he named two streets in Kuching after them – Jalan Muda Hassim and Badruddin Road. Later, two of James’ nephews, James and Charles Johnson, came to Sarawak to help him. James was given the title ‘Tuan Besar’ and later, ‘Rajah Muda’. Charles Johnson was called the ‘Tuan Muda’ and changed his name to Charles Brooke later, when he became the second Rajah of Sarawak. 1849 — The Battle of Beting Maru saw Brooke defeating Iban pirate chief named Linggir. He was helped by Captain Farquhar, his ships of the Royal Navy and by Malay and Dayak in ‘prahus’ (small boats). Altogether, there were about 75 boats and 3,500 men on Brooke’s side. After a hard fight for several hours in the darkness, many pirate ships were sunk and hundreds of pirates killed or captured. Brooke built forts at Lingga and the mouth of the Skrang River on Batang Lupar to prevent more attacks. 1850 — The US recognised Sarawak. 1852 — Sarawak’s territory expanded. 1853 — Sarawak extended to the Krian River. 1855 — James Brooke established the Supreme Council made up of a small group of key officers in Sarawak to help him govern the country. 1857 — Kuching sacked by Chinese rebels. Six hundred Chinese miners from Bau sailed down the Sarawak River at night to attack the Astana, the government buildings and the fort. Much of Kuching was razed to the ground, except for the Chinese areas. Brooke retaliated by enlisting the help of loyal Malays. Charles sailed quickly from Lingga with Iban soldiers. The rebels retreated upriver and were chased to Bau and to the Dutch Borneo border, where they attempted to escape to Sambas and Pontianak. As many as 1,000 Chinese rebels and their families were killed. 1861 — The pirates, after their defeat at sea, moved further inland to continue attacking villages and capturing heads. The chief leader was an Iban named Libau – better known as Rentap. From his Bukit Sadok fort, he led his men to attack villages, or the Rajah’s forts along the Batang Lupar. After two unsuccessful counter-attacks, Charles became more determined to capture Rentap’s fort at Bukit Sadok. He built a twelve-pounder cannon in Kuching, which took 500 of his men to pull through the jungle to Bukit Sadok. Once there, 60 of his strongest men lifted the cannon on poles and carried it to the top of Bukit Sadok – 3,000 feet high. The cannon fire penetrated Rentap’s sturdy fort made of thick ‘belian’ (ironwood). They discovered, however, that the pirate leader had run off into the jungle and burned his fort. Rentap was never to be heard of again. 1861 — Sarawak was extended to Kidurong Point; an offer by King Leopold I of Belgium to purchase Sarawak was not successful. 1862 — The Sarawak Regiment was created. 1863 — The Sarawak Dollar introduced. 1864 — Britain recognised Sarawak as an independent principality. 1865 — Charles formed the Council Negri, which included people in the Supreme Council, other officers of the Rajah’s government and the most important native chiefs. 1867 — Council Negri held its first meeting in Sibu. 1868 — James Brooke succeeded by his nephew Charles. Brooke returned to England due to ill health and died there. 1869 — Sarawak began issuing postage stamps. 1870 — Sarawak Gazette began publication. 1872 — The name of the town of ‘Sarawak’ was changed to Kuching, where it reportedly got its name from a small brook that ran into Sarawak River near the present Chinese Chamber of Commerce Building at the end of Main Bazaar. 1883 — Sarawak extended to Baram River. 1884 — The Great Fire of Kuching. 1885 — Acquisition of the Limbang area, from Brunei. 1888 — Sarawak declared a British protectorate. 1890 — Limbang added to Sarawak. 1891 — Opening of the Sarawak Museum; the border between Sarawak and Dutch Borneo was decided at a meeting between Great Britain and the Netherlands (Holland), whereupon it was decided that the border would follow as closely as possible the line of the highest mountains between Sarawak and Dutch Borneo.
Actors re-enacting a scene, where the ‘Proclamation of the Independence of Sarawak’ was read out by Sarawak’s first chief minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Stephen Kalong Ningkan in Kuching on Sept 16, 1963. 1901 — Sarawak’s population reached 320,000
Nov 23 — Malaya negotiated with Britain to amend the Defence Agreement to expand British assistance when Malaysia was formed and to maintain their army camps; Malaya and Britain negotiated and agreed on the setup of an investigative commission on the formation of Malaysia. December — Parti Barisan Anak Jati Sarawak (Barjasa) was registered; political parties formed earlier were the SUPP on June 12, 1959; Parti Negara Sarawak (Panas) on April 9, 1960; and Sarawak National Party (SNAP) on April 10, 1961. These older parties were formed for local council and district elections that started in 1959. Dec 18 — MSCC held its second meeting in Kuching. Brunei attended only as an observer. Dec 20 — The stand of Sarawak and Sabah shifted from opposition to bargaining on issues such as representation in Parliament, freedom of religion, national language, civil service, immigration and economic development as stated in a press statement at the end of the MSCC meeting.
sovereign country. May 24 — The British government sent 1903 — Oil discovered in Sarawak. a memorandum to the ruler of the Philippines on its claims to a part of 1905 — Acquisition of the Lawas Region, from Sabah. The other part was previously Brunei; Sarawak spanned 47,000 square miles. under the Brunei Sultanate, particularly along the west coast. 1912 — Brooke Dry Dock opened. June 22 — The ruler of the Philippines sent a note to the British government on its 1915 — First railway line in Sarawak opened. claims over Sabah. June 24 — Donald Stephens, president of 1915 — Committee of Administration, seated in United Kadazan Organisation (UNKO), Kuching, established; a 10-mile railway going said the people of Sabah was challenging south from Kuching first used. the claims by the Philippines. June 27 — Sarawak Chinese Association 1917 — Charles Vyner Brooke succeeded his (SCA) Party formed. July — The Cobbold Commission sent its father Charles as ‘Rajah’. report to the government of Malaya and 1924 — Sarawak Penal Code introduced. Britain. July 18 — Sultan of Brunei Sultan Omar 1925 — Chartered Bank of India, Australia and Ali Saifudin declared that Brunei would China built its first office in Kuching to handle the join Malaysia separately from Sarawak payment for Sarawak’s increasing business with and Sabah. July 20 — Parti Pesaka formed; the ruler of other countries. the Philippines sent a note on its Sabah 1931 — Penghulu Asun led a small rebellion claims to the government of Malaya. Aug 1 — Negotiations on the Cobbold among the Ibans against the government in the headwaters of the Kanowit, Entabai and Julau Report between Malaya led by Rivers. Tunku Abdul Rahman and his Vyner Brooke sent a police colleague from Britain to announce expedition up the Kanowit River, the formation of the Federation of and captured Asun and most Malaysia on Aug 31, 1963, after it of the other leaders. was approved by their respective Fort Brooke was built at legislatures. Aug 30 — Inter–Government Nanga Meluan on the Kanowit River. Committee (IGC) held a Asun died of old age in 1958. preparatory meeting in Jesselton, Sabah, and set up 1938 — Kuching Airport opened. its headquarters there; Sabah political parties submitted 1941 — Written Constitution granted; the ‘Twenty Points’ claims Sarawak had a population of 490,000. to Deputy Prime Minister of Dec 16, 1941 — The Japanese the Federation of Malaya occupied Miri. Tun Abdul Razak and Lord Dec 19, 1941 — The Japanese Landsowne in Jesselton. September — Philippines bombed Kuching. Dec 24, 1941 — The Japanese Vice-President Emmanuel attacked and captured Kuching. Paleaez, declared his country’s claims to a part of 1942-1945 — The Japanese Sabah at the United Nations, Occupation. New York in the US. Aug 14, 1945 — The Japanese Sept 12 — The Sabah surrendered. State Legislative Assembly Sept 11, 1945 — Australian forces unanimously approved the liberated Sarawak. formation of the Federation of Malaysia and the establishment of the IGC. 1945-1946 — Sarawak being put under s a w it n Sept 26 — The Australia’s military administration. n whe so ri p a s a t n May 1946 — Council Negri convened Sarawak State Legislative t – mea site Fort n o p ro p rf o te s a d n W a It st ching Assembly unanimously to talk about cession to the British e a fortress. Tower at Ku approved the formation of government; they agreed that The Square but ended up to becom the Federation of Malaysia Sarawak should become a colony by ilt in 1879, ss Sarawak River. u b and the establishment of the IGC; the a vote of 19 to 16. acro Margherita July 1, 1946 — Government passed a Sabah Alliance was set up by Pasok Momogun, Sabah United Party, law that accepted Sarawak as a British Dec 30 — During a conference in USKO and United Sabah National Crown Colony. Organisation (USNO). Jakarta, Partai Komunis Indonesia Oct 16 — Sabah Alliance declared 1949 — Governor Duncan Stewart was (PKI) – the third largest communist party in assassinated. the world – condemned the formation of the opposition of the people of Sabah on Malaysia as a ‘British Neo-Colonist ploy’. the claims by the Philippines. December — Sabah Alliance won the 1957 — Sarawak received a new constitution, which changed the size and powers of the 1962 election, taking 131 out of Jan 4 — British colonial government in Council Negri; the Council Negri was increased 137 contested constituencies with a to 45 members. manifesto based on the Twenty Points. Sarawak published a white paper on Dec 8 — Partai Rakyat Brunei caused a Sarawak’s consent for Malaysia and the 1959 — First general election held in Sarawak. revolt in Brunei, Limbang, Lawas and Miri. establishment of an investigative Dec 9 — Partai Rakyat Brunei chairman commission proposed by the governments AM Azahari announced the North 1961 of Malaya and Britain on Nov 23, 1961. May 27 — Tunku Abdul Rahman, Prime Kalimantan Revolution Government, while The White Paper was translated into local in exile in Manila (Philippines). He was Minister of Persekutuan Tanah Melayu, dialects and widely distributed in Sarawak. Jan 8 — MSCC held its third meeting actually a citizen of Lebanon – his father said at a Foreign Correspondents’ had married the daughter of Hugh Low, the Association of Southeast Asia press on constitution and politics in Kuala British Governor of Labuan, who had conference in Singapore that the Lumpur. A decision was reached married a Sarawakian woman, Dayang Federation of Malaya should have a close to produce all the proceedings for Loyang. understanding with Britain and the people public consumption just as the British Dec 20 — The IGC held its last meeting of Sarawak, Brunei and Sabah. colonial government had done in Sarawak. June 20 — Then-British Prime Minister Jan 31 — British colonial government in in Kuala Lumpur. It had held 24 meetings in Kuching, Jeselton, Singapore and Kuala Sir Harold Macmillan, in a reply to a Sabah produced a white paper, similar Lumpur. question in Parliament, said he was to the one published in Sarawak. It interested in the suggestion made by was also translated into local languages 1963 Tunku Abdul Rahman. and distributed widely. Jan 5 — Curfew from 6pm to 6am was June 26 — British officers from Singapore, Feb 1 — MSCC held its fourth and final enforced in Limbang. Sarawak, Brunei and Sabah, consisting meeting in Singapore. Jan 8 — The Governor declared as illegal Feb 3 — All MSCC delegates of governors, held a meeting in Singapore the Sarawak Farmers’ Association, that lasted until June 27. signed a memorandum of proposals and July 1 — Tunku Abdul Rahman Kesatuan Rakyat Insaf Sarawak, Chung recommendations, which was then Hua Alumni Association Sibu, Tentera accompanied the Yang Di- Pertuan Agong published in Sarawak and Sabah; the Nasional Kalimantan Utara, Angkatan of Malaya to officially visit Brunei and Cobbold Commission was set up to seek Dosu Berantu and Angkatan Rakyat Anak Sarawak. the views of the people of Sarawak July 9 — AM Azahari (Partai Rakyat Sabah. and Sabah on the formation of Malaysia. Jan 28 — British Foreign Secretary Lord Brunei), Ong Kee Hui (Sarawak United Members of the commission were Lord Home and Philippines Vice President People’s Party – SUPP) and Donald Cobbold (chairman), Sir Anthony Abell and Emmanuel Palaez began negotiations on Stephens (Sabah) established the United Sir David Watheraton (British claims over Sabah, until Feb 1 – with no Front, and disagreed with the proposal by representatives), Dato Wong Pow and results; Diosado Macapagal, the President Tunku Abdul Rahman and Britain. Ghazali Shafie (representatives of July 12 — Tunku Abdul Rahman exposed of the Philippines, stated for the first time Malaya). Feb 19 — The Cobbold Commission his country’s opposition to the formation of communist threats in South East Asia as Malaysia in his state-of-the-nation speech an important factor in his proposal. arrived at Kuching to begin public hearings July 22 — Lee Kuan Yew, then-Singapore in the Philippines Congress. at 35 centres. March 6 — Deputy Prime Minister of Feb 11 — Dr Subandario, Indonesia Chief Minister, proposed for Foreign Minister, officially objected to the representatives from Sarawak, Brunei Malaya, Tun Abdul Razak, said at that formation of Malaysia. and Sabah to present their views at the time, only Britain and the Philippines were Feb 23 — IGC submitted Reports to the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association involved in the territorial claims over Governments of the Four Parties (CPA) on the Malaysia proposal. Sabah. July 28 — Establishment of the Malaysia April 17 — The Cobbold Commission Concerned – Britain, Malaya, Sarawak and Sabah. The IGC report was published. Solidarity Consultative Committee (MSCC) completed its task in Sarawak and flew March 8 — Sarawak State Legislative in Singapore during the CPA Conference. to Jesselton to continue its investigations Aug 12 — First visit by leaders from Assembly unanimously adopted the at 15 centres in Sabah. recommendations in the IGC report. Sarawak and Sabah – Datu Bandar Abang April 24 — The Legislative Assembly March 13 — Sabah State Legislative Mustapa, Temenggong Jugah, Donald of the Philippines unanimously approved Stephens and Dato Mustapha – to Malaya Assembly adopted recommendations in ‘Resolution No 7’ – “The President of the to see the progress for themselves; many the IGC report. Republic to take the necessary steps April — Sarawak local council elections such visits were being organised for consistent with international law and leaders in Sarawak and Sabah up till the were being held until June. procedure for the recovery of a certain May 15 — Third Rajah of Sarawak, formation of Malaysia. portion of the Island of Borneo and Aug 24 — MSCC held its first meeting in Sir Charles Vyner Brooke, passed away adjacent islands which appertain to the Jesselton (present-day Kota Kinabalu) in in England. Philippines.” May 31 — Tunku Abdul Rahman, Prime North Borneo (Sabah); Brunei did not April 29 — Sultan of Sulu handed over the attend. Minister of Malaya; and Sukarno, rule of Sulu (which had never been Oct 16 — A motion for the formation of President of the Republic of Indonesia, colonised by Spain or the United States Malaysia was tabled in Parliament by negotiated in Tokyo, Japan for an of America) to the Philippines, until she Tunku Abdul Rahman and was approved. agreement on the formation of Malaysia was accepted as an independent
and to stop Indonesia from sending her army into Sarawak and Sabah. June 18 — The Sarawak Flag to use the old flag with a crown in the centre. June19 — The results of the election announced – Alliance 78, Independent 67, SUPP 16, and Panas 11. June 20 — Thirty-one Independent legislators joined Alliance, bringing the tally to 119. July 9 — The Malaysia Agreement was reached by Britain, Malaya, Singapore, Sarawak and Sabah, Brunei withdrew at the last moment. It was signed by Temenggong Jugah, Dato Bandar Abang Mustapa, Abang Openg, Ling Beng Siew and PEH Pike. From Sabah were Donald Stephens, Dato Mustapha, Khoo Siak Chiew, GS Sundang, WS Holley, and WKH Jones. From Singapore was Lee Kuan Yew; while the representatives of Malaya and Britain were Tunku Abdul Rahman and Harold Macmillan, respectively. July 19 — British House of Commons approved the Malaysia Bill to enable Sarawak and Sabah form Malaysia. July 22 — Stephen Kalong Ningkan chosen as the first Chief Minister of Sarawak, along with the state’s first cabinet. July 30 — Tunku Abdul Rahman, Sukarno and Macapagal met at the Manila Summit. Aug 5 — Manila Summit ended, resulting in the Manila Declaration in which the three countries agreed to form a new confederation called Maphilindo (short for Malaysia, Philippines and Indonesia); there was also a Manila Accord, in which the three countries agreed to work together in politics, economics, socially and culturally; Philippines and Indonesia requested for the Secretary General of the United Nations to obtain the views of the people of Sarawak and Sabah on the formation of Malaysia. Aug 3 — Governor Sir Alexander Waddel launched the 1962 uprising memorial for British commandos who were defeated in Limbang. Aug 6 — Teo Kui Seng, Natural Resources Minister, also the chairman of the Malaysia Day celebration, announced the programme. Aug 8 — Sabah Legislative Assembly unanimously passed the Merdeka motion to join Malaysia and also approved the Malaysia Agreement. Aug 15 — Parliament of the Federation of Malaysia approved the Malaysia Agreement. Aug 16 — United Nation Malaysia Mission (UNMM) arrived and carried out its task to obtain the opinion of the people of Sarawak and Sabah until Sept 5, 1963. Their arrival was also met with antiMalaysia protestors at the Kuching Airport. Aug 18 — Indonesian soldiers and insurgents invaded Sungai Bangkit in Song, resulting in a casualty. Aug 19 — Abdul Taib Mahmud, Communications and Works Minister, visited the headquarters of the Public Works Department in Kuching. The Merdeka celebration was postponed from Aug 31 to Sept 16. Aug 26 — Yang Di-Pertuan Agong of Malaya approved the Malaysian Constitution. Aug 27 — Demonstrations against Malaysia in Sibu in connection with the arrival of the UNMM team. Aug 29 — Yang Di-Pertuan Agong signed the Malaysia Declaration, fixed on Sept 16, 1963; the anti-Malaysia protest in Miri on the arrival of the UNMM team resulted in a clash with the police. Aug 30 — UNMM team arrived at Limbang – its last stop. Sept 1 — UNMM representative Lawrence Michelmore met representatives from Alliance and SUPP at the State Legislative Assembly chambers. Sept 4 — Sarawak Legislative Assembly approves Malaysia motion, with 38 votes for and five against. Stephen Kalong Ningkan tabled the motion, which stated: “Be it resolved that this Council reaffirms its support for Malaysia, endorses the formal agreement which was signed in London on the 9th July and, while regretting that the Federation of Malaysia could not be brought into being on the 31st August, welcomes the decision to establish it on the 16th September, 1963.” Sept 5 — UNMM team left Sarawak. Sept 11 — Chief Minister Stephen Kalong Ningkan, and three ministers as well as 10 members of the Alliance flew to Kuala Lumpur to meet the Prime Minister and the Secretary of the Colony of Britain, Duncan Sandys. Sept 13 — UNMM presented its report: “The Mission is satisfied that through its hearings, it was able to reach a crosssection of the population in all walks of life and that the expressions of opinion that it heard represent the views of a sizeable majority of the population. The Mission is convinced that the time devoted to hearings and the number of localities visited was adequate and enabled it to fully carry out its terms of references”; Sir Alexander Waddell announced Datu Abang Openg as the first Yang Di-Pertua of Sarawak, beginning from Malaysia Day; Temenggong Jugah Barieng was appointed to the Federal Cabinet as the Sarawak Affairs Minister. Sept 14 — Duncan Sandys arrives at Kuching for a brief visit. Sept 15 — Dr M Sockalingam appointed as the Speaker of the Dewan Undangan Negeri Sarawak; British Colonial Governor, Sir Alexander Waddell and wife left the Astana – the official Brooke residence and that of British governors since 1870 – at exactly 12.30pm.
Sept 16
Tun Abang Openg sworn in as the first Yang Di- Pertua Negeri Sarawak. Prime Minister of Malaysia Tunku Abdul Rahman read the Proclamation of Malaysia in front of the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong, Malay Rulers and thousands of citizens at Stadium Merdeka to mark the birth of a new country, named the Federation of Malaysia. He said: “The great day we have long awaited has come at last – the birth of Malaysia. In a warm spirit of joy and hope, ten million people of many races in all the states of Malaya, Singapore, Sarawak and Sabah now join hands in freedom and joy.”
Khir Johari read Proclamation of Malaysia as the representative of the Prime Minister to mark the independence of Sarawak, in the presence of Tuan Yang Terutama Tun Abang Openg, Chief Minister Datuk Stephen Kalong Ningkan, the State Cabinet and the people at Padang Sentral (now Padang Merdeka) in Kuching.
(Chronology is prepared based from the official 45th anniversary souvenir book ‘Perayaan 45 Tahun Sarawak Maju Dalam Malaysia, 1963 – 2008)