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Organising committee finalises seven-point declaration ahead of 722 Independence Day parade
(From left) Organising Committee members of the 722 Sarawak Independence Day Cultural Parade 2025 — Alim GA Mideh (Publicity), Bruce Walker (Treasurer), Haji Awang Ahmad (Advisor), Patrick Anek (Legal), Dominique Ng (Legal), Francis James Noew (Organising Chairman), Anthony David (Organising Secretary), and Raymond Thong (Advisor) pose for a photo call.
KUCHING (July 14): The Organising Committee of the 722 Sarawak Independence Day Cultural Parade 2025 has finalised the Seven 722 Sarawak Independence Day Declarations.
These declarations, rooted in Sarawak's historical rights and the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), will be formally adopted and proclaimed during the cultural parade on July 22, 2025.
The declarations outline seven key demands and will be displayed on large banners during the event for public endorsement.
Both English and Malay versions will be available, similar to the banners used during the 2013 (Telang Usan) and 2018 (Tasek Biru, Bau) commemorations.
'In witness whereof, we hereby adopt and proclaim this Declaration on the 22nd day of July, 2025, as an affirmation of our unity, rights, and sovereign identity as the People of Sarawak,' a committee spokesperson said when contacted.
The public will be invited to sign these banners, symbolising support for the declaration.
These signed declarations will then be submitted to the Governor of Sarawak and the Premier for further action.
The first declaration calls for the full implementation of the MA63, regarded as the foundational legal instrument for the formation of the Federation of Malaysia.
The committee demands that the agreement be honoured without delay, including the restoration of Sarawak's original legislative, fiscal, judicial, and administrative autonomy.
The second declaration calls for Sarawak's exclusion from the Petroleum Development Act 1974, which the committee argues was enacted without the consent of the Sarawak government or the Sarawak Legislative Assembly.
It reaffirms Sarawak's exclusive regulatory authority over petroleum and natural resources within its territorial boundaries, both onshore and offshore.
The third point demands that all Native Customary Rights (NCR) land be recognised, surveyed, documented, and granted individual titles under Section 18 of the Sarawak Land Code.
It stresses that the land rights of indigenous communities must not be infringed upon without consent and fair compensation.
Another key demand is free higher education for all 'bangsa Sarawak', to ensure equitable access to knowledge, development, and self-determination.
The fifth point also advocates for the equitable distribution of employment and business, with priority given to Sarawakians in both public and private sectors.
The sixth point calls for the revival and formal recognition of the Sarawak Rangers as a state-regimented institution to help preserve Sarawak's martial heritage and ensure local security.
Finally, the declaration calls for the protection of educational institutions from religious influence, stating that all academic institutions in Sarawak must remain secular and independent.
This is to safeguard freedom of belief, interfaith harmony, and Sarawak's cultural pluralism.
The organising committee described the declarations as a 'a matter of legal, moral, and political imperative,' urging authorities and institutions across Malaysia to honour and implemetn them.
The 722 Sarawak Independence Day Cultural Parade 2025 will take place at Tasik Biru, Bau on July 22 to commemorate Sarawak's attainment of self-government in 1963. 722 gathering declaration Malaysia Agreement 1963 Sarawak independence day
