a day ago
Call on younger generation to take up responsibility of carrying Sarawak forward
From right) Sempurai, Stanley, Wong Hua, Johnical, Wong, Rolland, Friday, Abang Mohamad Porkan and others wave the Sarawak Flag. – Photo by Peter Boon
SIBU (July 20): Sarawak's younger generation must take up the mantle of carrying Sarawak forward and not just inherit the land, said Bawang Assan assemblyman Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh.
He made this call when officiating the Sarawak Day celebration here, which was organised by Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) Bawang Assan and Persatuan Penduduk Engkilo Sungai Bidut.
He said Sarawakians must not forget that the state holds a special status in the formation of Malaysia, as enshrined in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
'On this historic day, let us once again affirm our rights as Sarawakians—the right to determine our development priorities, the right to benefit from our own resources and the right to protect the interests of our people.
'To our young generation, I urge you to know your history. Be proud of your roots. More than that, take on the responsibility of carrying Sarawak forward. Don't just inherit the land—inherit the spirit of struggle, unity and the drive for excellence.
'Today is a time for hope and renewal. We are committed to bringing better infrastructure, empowering our youths, uplifting education, strengthening rural development and ensuring opportunities reach every corner of our land,' he said.
Wong (seventh right) cuts the cake, joined by (fifth right) Wong Hua, Johnical, Rolland, Friday, Abang Mohamad Porkan and others. – Photo by Peter Boon
Wong said Sarawak Day was not just a date or public holiday, but a time for reflection, appreciation and unity.
'We reflect on the sacrifices made by those who came before us—our past leaders and every ordinary Sarawakian who worked with pride and determination to build the Sarawak we know and love today.
'Here in Bawang Assan, here in Sibu, as in all of Sarawak, we are blessed with a rich cultural fabric—Iban, Chinese, Malay, Melanau, Bidayu , Orang Ulu and many others—living together in peace and mutual respect. This unity in diversity is one of our greatest strengths, and is something we must continue to cherish and protect,' he said.
A huge crowd waves the Sarawak Flag during the celebration. – Photo by Peter Boon
He said everyone must know it was the late former Chief Minister Pehin Sri Adenan Satem who awakened the Sarawak spirit, and it was Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg who translated that spirit into policies and political will to institutionalise and move forward with economic empowerment, legal assertion rights and strategic forward planning.
Meanwhile, PDP Bawang Assan chairman Wong Hua recounted that during the late Adenan's administration, he boldly championed for greater powers and rights for Sarawak under MA63.
'He was never afraid to voice the interests of the people of Sarawak to the federal government, and did not hesitate to say 'no' when it came to safeguarding the interests of our state. His leadership paved the way for the empowerment of Sarawak's autonomous powers, and the legacy of his struggle is still felt to this day.'
Wong Hua said since Abang Johari took over, Sarawak continued to move forward in economic transformation, digital economy, and renewable energy to advancements in education, healthcare, and rural infrastructure.
Also present were the event's organising chairman Law Lee Wee, Persatuan Penduduk Engkilo Sungai Bidut chairperson Ling Leh Eng, Engkilili assemblyman Dr Johnical Rayong Ngipa, Krian assemblyman Friday Belik, Meluan assemblyman Rolland Duat Jubin, a political secretary to the Premier Joshua Ting, Sibu Resident Abang Mohamad Porkan Abang Budiman, Sibu District Officer Wee Teck Min, Sibu Rural District Council chairman Sempurai Petrus Ngelai, Temenggong Datuk Wan Hamid Edruce, Temenggong Stanley Gramong, and PDP treasurer-general Datuk Teo Boon Siew.
