Ibu Pertiwi flag raising every first Sunday

KUCHING: The Ibu Pertiwi flag raising ceremony will be held on the first Sunday of each month at Dataran Ibu Pertiwi here.

Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the ceremony, organised by North Kuching City Hall (DBKU), aims to inspire the people of Sarawak to advance the region as a developed and prosperous area.

“In addition to being a symbolic event, it holds significant meaning, especially for the younger generation.

“Therefore, the ceremony involves children from several schools to instill a sense of love for Sarawak and the nation,” he told reporters after officiating at the flag raising ceremony at Dataran Ibu Pertiwi here Sunday.

Abang Johari added that other countries, like Britain, have similar ceremonies that can be shared with visitors.

“For us in Kuching City, this is a very solemn ceremony that we want to share with our visitors.

“This square, I have noticed, has become a popular spot for taking pictures over the past few months, and we will maintain this area as it is close to the state legislative assembly building,” he said.

According to him, Dataran Ibu Pertiwi has witnessed several historical events such as the Brunei era, the Brooke Rajah era, the colonial era, and the formation of the Federation of Malaysia.

“When former Governors of the Colonial Era of Sarawak, Anthony Abell and Sir Alexander Waddel, sailed back to Britain, they passed through the Sarawak River, and it was at this square that the people of Sarawak saw their departure.

“The locality is important because the second White Rajah of Sarawak, Sir Charles Brooke, placed Fort Margherita here strategically as it was facing the Sarawak River,” he added.

When asked about suggestions from certain parties on the re-establishment of the Sarawak Rangers, Abang Johari said the state government has no plans for this.

He explained that the country’s defence, especially in Sarawak, is the responsibility of the federal government through the Ministry of Defence.

He said Sarawak already has a Veteran Special Force and the Territorial Army Regiment.

“This means that there is no need to bring back the Sarawak Rangers.

“Additionally, we have the Sarawak Coast Guard, the only one in Malaysia, to protect Sarawak’s waters, and we only assist the federal government to an extent that we can,” he added.

Also present were Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, and Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian; State Legislative Assembly Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar, along with Sarawak Ministers and deputy ministers.