Sarawak Liberation Movement’s Sarawak Day parade cancelled, says chairman

SIBU (July 19): The Sarawak Liberation Movement’s (SLM) parade scheduled for July 22, in conjunction with Sarawak Day, has been cancelled, said SLM chairman Thomas Kiew.

Kiew said the organisation could not obtain the police’s approval for the gathering at Sibu Gateway.

“We submitted our application to the police on July 17, after we had received approval from the Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) to use Sibu Gateway.

“However, on July 18, we were informed by the police that such a request needs to be submitted seven days in advance to obtain approval,” he said when speaking at a press conference here today.

Kiew had previously estimated 100 to 500 participants to converge at Sibu Gateway to celebrate Sarawak Day.

“I believe those interested in joining the parade will be disappointed after being notified that the event has been cancelled. Nevertheless, we will be there to inform parties that may turn up at Sibu Gateway on July 22 that the event has been cancelled,” he said.

Among those present were SLM treasurer Frankie Wong and secretary Josephine Lau.