Sarawak to hold big bash

MIRI: Sarawak will hold a grand celebration to commemorate the 45th year of independence and formation of Malaysia in all its 11 divisions here soon.

Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr George Chan Hong Nam said every division had been told to organise a special event to mark the day.

“We want to celebrate this 45th year in unique ways. All divisions will organise unique events, based on their ethnic background, diversified cultures and traditions, to mark this day. We want them to showcase the development and transformation of their communities since they joined Malaysia,” he said.

He said they would also hold events to remind the younger generation of Sarawak’s past.

“We hope to get the cooperation of the public and private sectors to host these events,” he said.

Dr Chan, who is also State Industrial Development Minister and State Agriculture Modernisation Minister, hoped those who witnessed the changes that took place in Sarawak in the last 45 years would share their knowledge with others.

“People who have old photographs of Sarawak can also share them in exhibitions,” he added.

On Sept 16, 1963, Sarawak gained independence from the British colonial “white rajahs” and joined Malaya, Sabah and Singapore to form Malaysia.