Dinner held in Kuching to mark 61st anniversary of Sarawak’s independence

KUCHING (July 22): The 722 Sarawak Independence Day Dinner was celebrated with great enthusiasm, drawing many to commemorate the 61st anniversary of Sarawak’s independence.

The event took place at the Penview Convention Centre (PCC) Demak last night (July 21), in conjunction with the Sarawak Day today.

Among the distinguished guests present were Sabah Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Jeffrey Kitingan, who was the guest of honour, Sarawak Association for People’s Aspiration (Sapa) president Dominique Ng, Society for Rights of Indigenous People of Sarawak (SCRIPS) deputy president Awang Ahmad Awang Ali and former Sarawak MP Patrick Anek Uren.

The festivities began with a lion dance and a ‘Ngajat’ dance, performed for the guest of honour. Guests were then treated to traditional dance performances and displays of Iban kuntau (martial arts) on stage.

During the event, the guests sang Sarawak’s former anthem “Fair Land Sarawak” and current anthem “Ibu Pertiwiku”, with some attendees seen proudly waving the old Sarawak flag.

This display symbolised a deep respect for Sarawak’s history and heritage, while also envisioning a brighter and more prosperous future for Sarawak.

Attendees donned vibrant traditional attire, enhancing the lively and festive atmosphere. Before dinner, PCC entertained the guests with a creative food gimmick, setting an engaging tone for the evening.

During the meal, guests were treated to live music performances. Speeches were delivered by the event’s organising chairman Alim GA Mideh, followed by Awang Ahmad, event treasurer Raymond Thong, Patrick and Jeffrey.

The essence of their speeches underscored the strong unity between the people of Sabah and Sarawak. The speakers also called for recognition of both states’ needs and emphasised the importance of the federal government’s responsibility to honour and implement the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).

Furthermore, there were calls for increased education about the MA63 for students in Sabah and Sarawak.

Following Jeffrey’s speech, the organisers presented him with a memento. The event concluded with a cake-cutting ceremony, officially marking the celebration of 722 Sarawak Independence Day.