Sarawak Head of State Yang Di-Pertua Negeri Tun Pehin Sri Haji Abdul Taib Mahmud (fifth right) signing a plaque commemorating Sarawak’s independence at the vicinity of the State Legislative Assembly Building earlier this morning.
Witnessing the signing were Chief Minister YAB Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Haji Adenan Haji Satem (third left), Deputy Chief Minister YB Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Alfred Jabu anak Numpang (second left) and State Secretary YB Tan Sri Datuk Amar Haji Mohamad Morshidi Abdul Ghani (right).
The special event was held to recognise Sarawak’s independence from the British Empire in 1963. Stating that the State government will not entertain secession from the federation of Malaysia, the Chief Minister also said in his speech that they believe in full autonomy for Sarawak under the constitution, thereby calling for the devolution of more federal power to the state.
The State Government is also considering 22 July as a public holiday; the decision is expected to be announced at the end of this year.