The 52nd Sarawak Independence Day Rally In Miri

I overslept today and got up from bed at about 7.45am. I had intended to get up early to be in time for the gathering and registration of participants of the 52nd Sarawak Independence Day Rally at the Marina Bay Commercial Centre scheduled for 8am this morning.

By the time I reached the city, it was almost 9am so I drove to the Centrepoint Commercial Centre to find a parking for my car. Parking spaces near the MCC Padang had all been taken up.

From Centrepoint, I made my way to the padang. The participants had already completed their walk from Marina Bay Commercial Centre to the padang and were all assembled on the field. It was not as crowded as I had expected. I guess the hot weather had discouraged some people from participating.

But still, the turnout was not too bad with people of all races showing solidarity for a cause that they all hold dear to their hearts. If you want to witness racial harmony, come to Sarawak. I could see some natives who had purposely made the trip from the ulu just to be part of this historic rally.

Due to traffic jams, the convoy of vehicles bearing Sarawak flags and “Sarawak For Sarawakians” logos arrived at the field a bit late at about 9.20am to a warm applause. It is great to see so many vehicles taking part!

A helicopter drone took to the sky just before the main event started to take aerial photos of the event. This is the first time I have ever seen a drone being used for photography in Miri.

The main event at MCC padang started at 9am with safety briefings followed by a zumba session coordinated by Misa Luvi Dance and Fitness Studio and the welcoming speech from the organising secretary Hanim Jaree.

The Sarawak flag raising ceremony was a moment of pride for all those gathered at the padang.

Local music group Rock Paradise entertained the crowd with several numbers. This is the group that performed at the wedding of my son almost two years ago. It was good to see them in action again.

Quite a  lot of Rela members were at the padang to help out.

Participants affixed their signatures on the back of one of the long banners as a proof of their participation in the rally.

Sarawak For Sarawakians souvenirs sold like hot cakes with a lot of participants forking out their money to support the movement.

By 10.45am, the heat was becoming a bit unbearable for me as I was drenched in sweat. And I had also used up all the tissue that I had brought along to wipe sweat from my forehead. It was time for me to go home.

To all Sarawakians, always remember that July 22, 1963 was the day Sarawak gained its independence from British colonial rule with the swearing-in of its first Chief Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Stephen Kalong Ningkan.

Come this Wednesday, Sarawak will be celebrating its 52nd Sarawak Independence Day. Though the Borneo Heritage Foundation (BHF) has been petitioning the government for several years to declare July 22 as a public holiday, its petition has so far not been granted.

A lot of Sarawakians feel that Sarawak has been marginalised by the federal government. This has contributed to a resurgence of sentiment among Sarawakians who have been demanding greater autonomy in the state, notably on oil and gas resources found in its territorial waters. The “Sarawak For Sarawakians” movement seems to be gaining momentum with a lot of Sarawakians calling for Sarawak to fight for what it really deserves.

To my fellow Sarawakians, I wish you all a very Happy 52th Independence Day Sarawak on this coming Wednesday. Dum Spiro Spero!