BY AMYRA VARKISA & MARGARET RINGGIT
Sarawak is commemorating its 60th Independence Day today (July 22), adopting the theme ‘Sarawak Maju Makmur’ for this significant milestone.
This occasion serves as a poignant reminder of the remarkable progress and achievements the state has attained across various sectors throughout the past six decades.
However, the journey towards this milestone was not devoid of challenges, struggles and sacrifices endured by Sarawak’s former leaders and its people.
In light of this, the state’s current leaders are calling upon the citizens of Sarawak to not only appreciate and honour the sacrifices made by their predecessors but also to embody their spirit of determination and resilience in order to propel Sarawak towards further development and prosperity.
DATUK DR PENGUANG MANGGIL
Deputy Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government
“Sarawak has achieved significant development in infrastructure and facilities. However, the most remarkable accomplishment is the restoration of our rights outlined in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 and the Inter-Governmental Committee Report. This empowerment has allowed us to make decisions independently for the benefit of Sarawakians. Additionally, the imposition of sales tax on oil and gas has boosted revenue, reaching a record high of RM12 billion in 2022. These achievements, combined with stable political conditions and a favourable socioeconomic landscape, have created an environment for Sarawak to thrive. Under Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg’s visionary leadership, Sarawak aims to become a high-income and developed territory, surpassing other states in Malaysia through the Sarawak’s Development Agenda 2030. Sarawak stands as a flagship, showcasing unity, peace, harmony, and a commitment to economic and environmental sustainability.”
SAFIEE AHMAD
Daro assemblyman
“As we can see, Sarawak is progressing well with its new economy. Last year we generated RM11.9 billion in revenue. The revenue will benefit rural areas through agencies like Upper Rajang Development Agency, Highland Development Agency and more. Not only that, the green energy initiatives by our state also earn international recognition. Meanwhile, the Sarawak Sovereign Wealth Future Fund ensures long-term prosperity, creating jobs, a stable economy, and free education. Our state’s current aim is to achieve developed state status by 2030, prioritising strategic progress outlined in the PCDS 2030. This is all we had achieved throughout these 60 years of independent. It is not easy for Sarawak to achieve what we have today; we need to appreciate all the development and progress we have made. Happy 60th Sarawak Independence Day! Sarawak Maju Makmur!”
DATUK SERI FATIMAH ABDULLAH
Minister for Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development
“We want a holistic development for Sarawak, this includes social wellbeing of its people. I believe Sarawak will become a developed economy through the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030. In the past 60 years, Sarawak has progressed well. We want to progress not only via physical development but the wellbeing of the people as well and my ministry has been providing various support systems to the community for social development.”
DATUK SEBASTIAN TING
Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts
“July 22 is a very important date for Sarawak. We have our first Cabinet after achieving independence from the British. Looking at physical development, we have done well; I think development will continue rapidly. Now financially independent, we are now better in terms of revenue and resources. The progress will be very fast. We look at 1963 to 1970, the first phase during that time, the first coalition of the government and we have political stability since that time until now. All these years, Sarawak has done very well. Another type of development we managed to continue is having peace and harmony. Now, of course, poverty level has gone down. Education wise, the Sarawak government is very focused, we emphasised on human capital.”
DR SIMON SINANG BADA
Tebedu assemblyman
“Under our Premier’s leadership, Sarawak’s revenue has doubled from RM5 billion to RM11 billion, leading to rapid development in both urban and rural areas. The Rural Transformation Programme has provided basic and modern infrastructure, including internet, telephone services, electricity, and water supply. The ongoing construction of roads and border security projects will further boost our state’s economy. Our Post-COVID Development Strategy 2030 aims to ensure all Sarawakians benefit from our progress. Happy 60th Sarawak Independence Day! Sarawak Maju Makmur!”
DATUK ROSEY YUNUS
Deputy Minister For Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development
“We hope for more physical developments, and of course we must be ready for more developments that will be brought by the Sarawak government led by Gabungan Parti Sarawak under the leadership of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. Meanwhile, for my constituency (Bekenu), we still need a lot more development to be on par with others (constituencies), especially internet connectivity.”
JOSEPH CHIENG JIN EK
Bukit Assek assemblyman
“Let us all raise our Sarawak Flag as we celebrate 60 years of Sarawak independence. For my constituency, the greatest achievement we have achieved was the RM1 billion allocation for the Bukit Assek Redevelopment Plan. This is a great example of our current government political will to further develop our Sibu town. We hope that the plan will progress well and get tremendous support from the public. Happy 60th Sarawak Independence Day!”
AHMAD JOHNIE ZAWAWI
Igan MP
“Sarawak Day on July 22 is a significant day for all Sarawakians, especially the youth. It marks the moment when Sarawak gained self-governance 60 years ago. Understanding our history is crucial. Today, we must embody the spirit of being true Sarawakians, contributing to our state’s progress. Let’s appreciate the achievements made and work hand in hand with the government for a prosperous Sarawak. Remembering our rights and the formation of Malaysia fosters harmony. Together, let’s be grateful and strive for a better future!”
