On this day, July 22, 2016, Sarawak PKR rejoices and celebrates together with all Sarawakians in welcoming this historic day. After 53 years, Sarawakians finally have a day to call our own, and we congratulate the chief minister for the courageous move to recognise a day to commemorate the beginning of a modern Sarawak.

This day has been a long time coming. Many Malaysians, and indeed Sarawakians, are unaware of the rich history of Sarawak, and of the events that led to the coming together of Sarawak, the former North Borneo (now Sabah), Singapore and Malaya to form the Federation of Malaysia.

I am gratified that Sarawakians have come to appreciate our history, and to the realisation that the current state of affairs vis a vis the administration of the country and the division of resources, etc between peninsula Malaysia and Sabah and Sarawak leaves much to be desired.

We are therefore glad that there is now a unifying force in Sarawak, ie a common pride in our own unique identity, history, culture and tradition that sets us apart from our Federation partners, while at the same time, a recognition that we belong in federation that is meant to be mutually beneficial to all parties. There is a steely determination to speak up to regain and protect our rights and interests regardless of our race, religion and political leanings.

Sarawak Day is especially significant as this year also marks the dawn of a maturing Sarawak, and if the push for the autonomy of Sarawak as a partner within the Federation should be successful eventually, Sarawak Day will be celebrated with even more jubilation in the years to come. We are united with the government in ensuring that the devolution of power becomes a reality, and we wish all Sarawakians a Happy Sarawak Day.

BARU BIAN is chairperson, Sarawak PKR and assemblyperson for N81 Ba’Kelalan.