Abang Johari - Sarawak state flag now known as ‘Ibu Pertiwi’

KUCHING: The state flag of Sarawak will now be known as ‘Ibu Pertiwi’ (motherland).

Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg announced this at the state-level New Year’s Eve celebration at the Kuching Waterfront here tonight.

He said before this, the Sarawak flag did not have a distinct name like the Malaysian flag, the ‘Jalur Gemilang’.

“Ibu Pertiwi signifies the sovereignty of Sarawak; it also represents the greatness of the state with the colours (of the flag) of red, black and yellow.

“All Sarawakians must be determined to work hard to defend the motherland and together develop this state to greater heights,” he said.

The New Year’s Eve celebration with the theme ‘Let’s Celebrate Together’ was marked with various activities, including stage performances, fireworks shows and a New Year countdown.

In addition to performances by popular local artistes such as Datuk Amy Search and Datuk Zainal Abidin, the event also featured the official launch of the Sarawak flagpole.–Bernama