18-07-2025
Bawang Assan to host grand celebration honouring Sarawak Day
Wong says the event is especially significant in reminding people – particularly the younger generation – of the meaning behind July 22. – Photo by Chimon Upon
SIBU (July 18): A grand Sarawak Day celebration aimed at reviving Sarawakians' awareness of the state's historic journey toward self-governance will be held this Sunday (July 20) at RH Hotel here, starting at 11.30am.
Organised by Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) Bawang Assan in collaboration with Persatuan Penduduk Engkilo Sungai Bidut, the event is set to gather hundreds from across the constituency, including longhouse chiefs, grassroots leaders, and civil servants.
PDP Senior Vice President Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh said the event is especially significant in reminding people – particularly the younger generation – of the meaning behind July 22.
'We are inviting 105 Tuai Rumah in the constituency and also five representatives from each longhouse, as well as all representatives from all government departments and agencies such as Resident Office, District Office, and so on.
'Community leaders such as Ketua Kampung, Kapitan and Penghulu are also invited to join the celebration.
'It (July 22) is one of the most important dates in the history of Sarawak. This grand celebration is geared towards awakening people's consciousness about the significance of this date,' he told reporters today.
He recalled the pivotal moment in 2016 when the late Pehin Sri Adenan Satem officially declared July 22 as Sarawak Day and made it a public holiday to commemorate Sarawak's attainment of self-government in 1963.
He said Adenan was the one who initiated and re-ignited this Sarawak spirit.
'So many years after independence, it was buried and remained academic,' said Wong.
He also shared his personal connection to the moment, having served as the Minister-in-charge and Organising Chairman for the first official Sarawak Day celebration in Kuching on July 22, 2016.
'After about 10 years, I wanted to do a big celebration. Of course, it is for Bawang Assan but I invite all. Most of YBs (elected representatives) invite them to come.
'I want to remind the younger generation that where we are today is because of the contributions of the last leaders,' said Wong.
Wong also credited Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg for carrying forward Adenan's legacy by strengthening Sarawak's rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
'Abang Johari pushed on to protect and advance Sarawak rights under MA63, securing economic autonomy and revenue for Sarawak, defending Sarawak identity and heritage, institutional reforms to realise autonomy and strategic vision: from Adenan's Foundation to Post-2030 future,' said Wong. bawang assan sarawak day wong soon koh
