July 22 is ‘Sarawak Independence Day’

KUCHING: The Chief Minister's Office has confirmed that the newly declared public holiday on July 22 is to be known as "Sarawak Independence Day".

In a media statement from Tan Sri Adenan Satem's office, it said the public holiday had just been gazetted. "Sarawakians will have an additional public holiday as July 22 is to be observed commencing this year."

On April 23, Adenan announced at a state election rally that the proposed public holiday, which he referred to then as "Sarawak Day", had been agreed upon by the state Cabinet.

It was to "honour past leaders" and improve historical awareness among Malaysians, Adenan said at the rally.

On July 22, 1963, Sarawak was granted self-government on the condition that it would join Malaya, North Borneo and Singapore to form Malaysia.

Many Sarawakians have long considered July 22 an independence day.

Between 1946 and 1963, Sarawak was a British colony. During World War II, Sarawak was under the Japanese Occupation. Before that, for a century, the state was ruled by the White Rajahs.