COMMENT A friend came over and asked me, "What's the big deal with July 22? What difference does it make, compared with August 31st or September 16th?"

Writing this piece in the wee hours of the night, after a coffee session with my high school seniors who have been based in Kuala Lumpur for nearly a decade, sparked a casual conversation about the future of our home state, Sarawak.

The moment of pride, whenever you meet a fellow statesmen in KL, will strike the chord by when all of you converse in the 'official' language - Bahasa Sarawak.

"Kitak orang Sarawak kah? Oh nembiak Sarawak kat Malaya juak. Dari kampung neh?" (Are you Sarawakian? Oh you're here in Malaya too. Which village are you from?).

These are among the casual conversations when Sarawakians bump into one another in West Malaysia or abroad. The familiar language became what it is today the common dialect in Sarawak among various ethnic groups in the state.

Scores of "Happy 52nd Independence Day of Sarawak" flooded the social media began as the clock struck midnight. The first Kingdom of Sarawak flag splashes across all Facebook profiles of Sarawakians to show their pride in marking the day Sarawak returned to the hands of her people.

"What is this July 22nd all about? Never knew about it until I had to Google that," my friend said.

July 22, 1963, marks the day when Sarawak was no longer under the colonial rule of the British and for the first time, became independent as a country before the formation of the Federation of Malaysia with Malaya, Sabah and Singapore.

Stephen Kalong Ningkan became the first Chief Minister of Sarawak as an independent country.

Fifty-five days as an independent country was short-lived, but it remains a pride for many Sarawakians who dreamed to  stand as equal partners in the federation.

The Kingdom of Sarawak began nearly two centuries ago, in 1841 when a British merchant, Sir James Brooke ( photo ), came to the shores of Borneo to assist the then Sultan of Brunei, Sultan Omar Ali Saifudden II, to stop the uprising of the Iban and Bidayuh against the sultanate.

These stories unfold and fast forward to 2015, Sarawak became an envy of many, not because it is the largest state and with the most natural resources in Malaysia, but for the true spirit of 'muhibbah' (harmony) among Sarawakians.

Why Sarawak for Sarawakians?

Many friends were asking, "Why Sarawak for Sarawakians?"

Does that mean Sarawakians are pushing for secession from the federation through various means? Absolutely no.

If you ask me personally, I will tell you it is not about secession anymore, unlike the post-World War II days.

Similar to the echoes from our neighbouring state, Johor, where Johoreans are proud to call themselves 'Bangsa Johor', Sarawakians, too, are proud to be a part of the namesake.

The rise of nationalism in Sarawak began since the general election of 2008 and picked up steam in 2013. It became even more popular since Adenan Satem succeeded the 'throne' as the new chief minister of Sarawak.

Is Adenan still overshadowed by his predecessor, Abdul Taib Mahmud, who is now the governor of Sarawak? Adenan was quick to ride on the rising state nationalism and it became his strong pivot to quash his political opponents.

His main focus? To unite Sarawakians under one roof, so to speak. The first litmus test for Adenan ( photo ) will be his first state election. Only time will tell.

"Life is much better at home in Sarawak."  This is something most Sarawakians working in West Malaysia will answer in view of the recent rise of racial and religious tensions in the peninsula.

From dress codes to handphone riots, racial disparity and discrimination; many of us are sick and tired of all these issues in West Malaysia. Although Sarawak may not be as developed as Selangor and KL, the true representation of unity can be seen among its people.

If unity and harmony can be achieved in Sarawak, why not in Malaysia as a whole?

As Malaysians, we need to stop and start reflecting on ourselves. After 52 years of nationhood and living together as one big family, are we better off than before in our relationship?

I remembered vividly, as I recited this part of the morning prayers in my school days as the head prefect during school assemblies:

"Where there is hatred, let us sow love. Where there is injury, pardon. Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is despair, hope. Where there is darkness, light and where there is sadness, joy"

Let us all set aside our differences. It is time that we rediscover the true Malaysian in all of us.

Happy 52nd Sarawak Independence Day, agi idup agi ngelaban!

Dum Spiro Spero - "While I breathe, I hope."

NORMAN GOH is a member of the Malaysiakini Team.