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Special Focus
Independence Day:
Remembering MALAYSIA DAY
The last few days in Sarawak, the British government administrators witnessing the independance declaration at Central Padang
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In 1961, the first Prime Minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman proposed the formation of Malaysia to foster a closer political and economic tie between the Federation Of Malaya with the other colonial states of Sarawak, Sabah, Brunei and Singapore. Malaya had just achieved its independence on 31 August 1957. The Cobbold Commission was tasked to fathom the wishes of the people in these states as to whether there was a clear indication of support for the Tunku’s proposal. The answer was affirmative and a resounding one. Hence this led to the proclamation of independence of these states within Malaysia on 16 September, 1963
The Need to Form the Federation of Malaysia
The formation of the Federation of Malaysia was deemed necessary due to several factors.
Firstly, the leaders of then British Borneo territories of Sabah and Sarawak together with Singapore and Brunei saw this formation as a way to accelerate the process towards their independence and thus ending the era under British colonialism. Under the proposed Federation of Malaysia, it was foreseen that the economic development within these states would be greatly accelerated.
Secondly, under one federal system of government, the administration of the new nation would benefit by adopting the common legislative and administrative characteristics and practices of parliamentary democracy.
Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg bin Sapi`ee, sarawak's first
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However, during the same period, communism became a serious threat and impediment towards the state’s dream of achieving independence. The spread of communist ideology and guerilla tactics caused formidable fear and insecurity in the countries mentioned.
Thus thirdly, a stronger central government under the federation was seen to provide the necessary strength and solidarity to curb the threat of communism in these states.
The Inclusion of Sarawak into the Federation
The inclusion of Sarawak into the formation of the Federation of Malaysia has tremendously benefitted the people of Sarawak in many spheres. Being part of a bigger and stronger nation, both Sarawak (and Sabah) prospered as both States were able to tap the opportunities of greater stability and strength within a unified federal system of government. Although there were some initial scepticism in response to this development, especially those concerning the welfare and the protection of their interests, these scepticism proved unwarranted as the State continued to prosper to what it is today.
On the social front, the attainment of racial harmony has helped to provide the foundation for the development of Sarawak. For a State that has at least 27 ethnic groups practising different beliefs, traditions and cultures, racial tolerance and harmony are important factors in ensuring a stable political environment. Today, Sarawak can be proud of its achievement in fostering such close ties among its different ethnic groups, thus promoting peace and harmony as well as sustaining stability in her political milieu.
Economically, the State has prospered by leaps and bounds. Endowed with huge reserve of natural resources and large tracts of land to be potentially developed, Sarawak has been ranked as one of the resource-rich States in Malaysia.
With the formation of Malaysia, the State has been able to plan and centralise its economic development. Careful planning under the able leadership of YAB Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr.) Haji Abdul Taib Mahmud has resulted in the rapid pace of development throughout the State in the last twenty years.
Political Development in Sarawak
The announcement of the formation of Malaysia resulted in the emergence of many political parties. Among the earlier ones was Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sarawak (SUPP) which was formed in June 1959 by two prominent leaders of our time, Datuk Ong Kee Hui and the late Datuk Amar Stephen Yong. SUPP had the majority support of the English-educated Chinese.
Five other political parties were formed between 1959 - 1962 in response to this development. They were Parti Negara Sarawak (PANAS, 1960), Sarawak Chinese Association (1962), Parti Barisan Rakyat Jati Sarawak (BARJASA, 1961), Parti Kebangsaan Sarawak (SNAP, 1961) and Parti Pesaka Anak Sarawak (PESAKA, 1962).
The new political coalition which comprised PCS, PANAS, BARJASA, SNAP and PESAKA recorded their first victory together when it won the State District Council Election in 1963. The late Datuk Stephen Kalong Ningkan was elected the first Chief Minister of Sarawak the same year
**Sarawak achieved its independence on 16 September, 1963 and joined Sabah, Singapore and the Federation of Malaya to form MALAYSIA.
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