Latest news with #Adenan
Borneo Post
18-07-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
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
Borneo Post
11-07-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Organisers claim MBKS ignored venue application for July 22 event, could force cancellation
File photo shows the Song Kheng Hai Rugby Field. KUCHING (July 11): Organisers of a public assembly to mark Sarawak Independence Day on July 22 have accused the Kuching South City Council (MBKS) of not responding to their application to use the Song Kheng Hai Rugby Field. Saya Anak Sarawak founder Peter John Jaban claimed this could jeopardise the event's objective to honour and pay tribute to former chief minister the late Pehin Sri Adenan Satem or Tok Nan. 'We, the organisers of the upcoming public gathering scheduled for 22nd July 2025, express our deep disappointment and concern over the continued silence from the office of the Mayor of Kuching South City Council regarding our official request to utilise Song Kheng Hai Rugby Ground as a venue for this meaningful and significant occasion,' he said in a press statement. 'His (Adenan) courageous and visionary leadership continues to inspire Sarawakians, and this event aims to pay tribute to his contribution to Sarawak's identity, unity, and autonomy.' Peter said due to the lack of response from the mayor's office, the planned gathering could be cancelled as organisers do not have a suitable space to accommodate participants. 'In the past, we did not have any problem securing Song Kheng Hai Rugby Ground for our public gatherings,' he said. He pledged the organisers are law-abiding citizens, who have shown during past events they would ensure all participants follow the law. According to him, an application letter to use the facility was submitted on April 7, more than three months in advance, to allow sufficient time for planning and coordination. He claimed organisers have not received any acknowledgement or response from the mayor's office. 'Such complete silence is not only unprofessional but disrespectful to the memory of Adenan and the significance of the date for Sarawakians,' he stated. Peter said organisers also wrote to the Office of the Premier of Sarawak requesting a courtesy call to inform and brief Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg about the public event. 'Regrettably, we have also not received any reply from the Premier's Office to date. 'Let it be clearly stated that we cannot be expected to organise a large-scale and meaningful public event within less than a month,' he said. According to him, responsible event planning requires coordination with government agencies, community engagement, logistics, security, and cultural programming. Peter said such preparations are only possible with timely support from relevant authorities, adding public spaces such as the Song Kheng Hai Rugby Field exist to serve the people. 'We have duly notified the police well in advance and they have no objection to us organising the public gathering. As responsible and law-abiding NGOs, it is our duty to inform the police,' he said. 'Time is running out. Tok Nan's legacy deserves our respect. Sarawakians deserve better.' On April 23, 2016, Adenan declared July 22 a public holiday . He said then that 'Sarawak Day' would be for Sarawakians to remember the sacrifices and contributions of past leaders. Adenan Satem July 22 lead Peter John Jaban Song Kheng Hai rugby field
Borneo Post
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
S4S returns with ‘Tribute to Adenan' 722 celebration after decade-long hiatus
This year's theme, 'Tribute to Adenan,' honours the late Pehin Sri Adenan Satem for his pivotal role in officially recognising July 22 as Sarawak's Independence Day. KUCHING (July 11): After a decade-long hiatus, Sarawak for Sarawakians (S4S) is returning to commemorate 722 Sarawak Independence Day at Song Kheng Hai rugby field on July 22. This year's theme, 'Tribute to Adenan,' honours the late Pehin Sri Adenan Satem for his pivotal role in officially recognising July 22 as Sarawak's Independence Day. According to a statement, S4S said the day will begin with a grand parade led by the South Sarawak Crown Flag convoy, followed by vehicle convoys from all districts in Sarawak, along with heavy motorcycle groups and bicycle squads. Participants are to assemble at the Padang Sukan Jubilee car park at 8am, before marching to Song Kheng Hai Field. The event will feature a flag‑raising ceremony, showcasing both the Crown flag and Sarawak's nine-pointed star state flag, and will be broadcast live by Fairland Sarawak. This will be followed by the singing of the state anthem 'Ibu Pertiwiku', as well as traditional dances and musical performances. After the festivities, the convoy will proceed to Bau to join local celebrations and take part in a street procession commemorating 722 Independence Day. Members of the public are also invited to an evening gathering on July 21, ahead of the main event on July 22. Attendees will receive a complimentary S4S t-shirt, while supplies last. The North District motorcade convoy, departing from Lawas, will also participate in the celebration. On July 21, it will host a public meet‑and‑greet session at Song Kheng Hai Field, where limited‑edition '722 Sarawak Independence Day 2025' t-shirts will be available for purchase. Proceeds from the sale will go toward supporting the convoy's cross-state tour. The press release noted that the 'Tribute to Adenan' theme marks the 2015 appeal by S4S to then‑Chief Minister Adenan Satem to formally recognise July 22 as Sarawak's Independence Day. 'In 2016, under his leadership, the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly gazetted the date as a public holiday, commemorating Sarawak's attainment of self‑governance in 1963. 'Sarawakians will forever be grateful to Tok Nan for enshrining our Independence Day in law. This celebration reaffirms our shared aspiration for progress and unity across the state,' said S4S. 722 lead S4S Tribute to Adenan
