Call to include Sarawak Independence Day in national curriculum

KUCHING: A local politician has called for the historical significance of Sarawak Day, also known as Sarawak Independence Day, to be included in the national history curriculum.

Public Health, Housing, and Local Government Deputy Minister Datuk Dr Penguang Manggil said the move would educate future generations about the importance of July 22, a date celebrated annually in Sarawak.

July 22, 1963, he noted, is an event of great significance because it marks the moment Sarawak was granted self-governance.

“This is something that we need to instil in our memory and pass on to future generations so that they understand the importance of the date, especially what happened before and after Sarawak Day,” he said during an interview on the Juh Randau Programme produced by the Sarawak Public Communications Unit (UKAS) at the UKAS Studio yesterday (July 15).

Highlighting the broader context, the Marudi assemblyman pointed out the importance of distinguishing between three key dates in Malaysia’s history: Independence Day on August 31, 1957; Malaysia Day on September 16, 1963; and Sarawak Day on July 22, 1963.

“Independence Day marks the independence of the Federation of Malaya, while Malaysia Day signifies the formation of Malaysia between the Federation of Malaya, Sarawak, Sabah, and Singapore. Sarawak, however, was granted self-governance on July 22, 1963, before the formation of the Federation of Malaysia,” he explained.

As such, Penguang stressed the unique position of Sarawak in Malaysia’s history, noting that Malaysia Day should be remembered as the formation of the country, where Sarawak did not join but co-founded Malaysia.

“That is why we have our own autonomy to protect, which causes many parties to be envious of Sarawak’s autonomy,” he added.

He said the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) is very significant, granting Sarawak certain autonomy and protections that remain non-negotiable.

He praised the efforts of the Sarawak government under Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg to reclaim the rights and privileges Sarawak has lost over time.

“The Sarawak government is not asking for more or less for these rights but to regain Sarawak’s rights as stated in MA63 and the Inter-Governmental Committee (IGC) Report,” he said.