‘Significance of S’wak Day affected by wrong information in past history books’

SARIKEI - The significance of July 22, 1963 – the day when Sarawak gained self-government – is not known by many Sarawakians due to wrong information disseminated in years past.

Tanjong Manis MP Yusuf Abdul Wahab said personally, he had never come across information on Sarawak gaining independence from the British during his schooling days.

“Our history books only mentioned Aug 31, 1957 as Malaysia’s Independence Day when in fact, it is Malaya’s.

“Sarawak only gained her independence from the British on July 22, 1963 and, about two months later on Sept 16, formed Malaysia together with Malaya, Sabah and Singapore,” he said at the division-level Sarawak Day celebration here yesterday.

The programme kicked off with a mass aerobics exercise in front of the Civic Centre here, followed by bicycle fun ride involving some 120 participants who each received a certificate and medal upon completing the ride.

The event also witnessed a symbolic presentation of Sarawak flags to four local community leaders.

A mini exhibition was also put up by various government departments in the lobby of Wisma Jubli Mutiara in conjunction with the celebration. - BP