SUPP Youth lodges police report over alleged distortion of Sarawak’s history

SIBU (March 1): The Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) Youth Central has lodged a police report against a Facebook page known as ‘Berita 757’ over a video titled ‘Sarawak Buta Sejarah’, which it claims disseminates distorted and misleading historical narratives about Sarawak.

The report was filed at the Sungai Merak police station yesterday by a delegation comprising members from six SUPP branches in the central region.

The group was led by SUPP Youth Wing chairman Councillor Kevin Lau.

Lau said the publication failed to recognise Sarawak’s historical sovereignty and constitutional rights, including matters related to its continental shelf, and warned that such content could mislead the public.

“This is not a matter of opinion or political interpretation. Sarawak’s constitutional development and legal status are clearly documented in history,” he told reporters.

He cautioned that irresponsible reporting of this nature risks undermining the constitutional foundations upon which Malaysia was formed.

“When historical facts are distorted, it does not only misinform the public but also threatens the spirit of mutual respect and trust between East and West Malaysia,” he added.

Lau highlighted that Sarawak’s constitutional evolution is well established, noting that the state had three constitutions – the 1941 Constitution enacted under Charles Vyner Brooke, the 1957 Constitution during British Crown Colony rule, and the present constitutional framework following the formation of Malaysia in 1963.

“Prior to the formation of Malaysia, Sarawak was already a recognised legal entity with its own legislature, courts and enacted laws. These are historical and legal facts that cannot be erased or rewritten,” he said.

Lau also highlighted that Sarawak attained self-governance on July 22, 1963 with Stephen Kalong Ningkan appointed as the first Chief Minister, a date commemorated annually as Sarawak Day.

He further pointed out that key Sarawak laws such as the Oil Mining Ordinance 1954 and the Land Code (1958) remain legally valid under Article 162 of the Federal Constitution following the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
“These laws were preserved by the Federal Constitution. Sarawak’s actions in asserting its rights and autonomy are firmly grounded in MA63, the IGC Report and the Federal Constitution itself,” he said.

Lau called on the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) to investigate the source cited as an “observer” in the video and to determine whether proper fact-checking was carried out prior to its publication.

“We urge the authorities to investigate whether this reporting was done responsibly and whether it has the potential to create misunderstanding or division within our federation,” he stressed.

Reaffirming SUPP Youth Central’s position, Lau said the movement would continue to defend Sarawak’s rights and constitutional status.

“Sarawak must be recognised as one of the equal partners that formed Malaysia in 1963,” he said.

“Respecting Sarawak’s historical and constitutional position is essential to preserving national unity and building a stronger Malaysia together.”