S4S to hold Sarawak Day on July 22 at Taman Kommuniti Serian

KUCHING, July 17, 2016 - Sarawak 4 Sarawakians (S4S)  will be coming to Serian on 22 July 2016 for its celebration of Sarawak Day despite a disappointing meeting in which the Serian authorities refused to provide any assistance to the group. 

Peter John Jaban and his wife, Karen Shepherd asking people to come and enjoy themselves at Taman Kommuniti Serian on July 22

The event, now to be held at Taman Kommuniti in the town centre, a public space, will be a fun-packed day with the first Sarawak Independence Day Blowpipe competition, games, stalls and live music. 

"We invite all Serian residents and those beyond to join us in our celebration, flagging off at 8.30 am.  The first Sarawak Day celebration will be a day to remember." organising chairman Alim Mideh said today.

 “As organisers, we have been doing these kinds of events for many years now. This is a chance for us to celebrate together the fruits of our work with the drive of the State Government to recognize this day as a public holiday. 

'We ask people to come in traditional costume to show their love for the state or even in their own dress.  We are harmonious people who love Sarawak and this day is for us to mingle around with our fellows and express that.

"Events in previous years have proven our good intentions.  We are saddened that the authorities do not wish to support us, choosing instead to brand us as troublemakers though they have no evidence whatsoever for that opinion.  However, a great event will be the best answer to those unfair suspicions.”

The day will see the inaugural Sarawak Independence Day blowpipe championship with teams from around Sarawak and from Sabah, Johore and Kalimantan competing.  Throughout the day, we have organized games, traditional dance and live music from a local Serian act. 

"We will also have volunteers on site who will take information for anyone hoping to have some assistance with their applications for identity documents with Jabatan Pendaftaran Negara. 

"The group has some experience assisting with JPN applications and know how difficult it can be to navigate the system properly, so are there to help. 

"Initial suggestions to use the wasteland behind Serian town had to be abandoned as the site was simply too dangerous with rubbish and open manholes throughout. Taman Kommuniti is centrally located and easily accessible. 

"The council confirmed that this is a public space and so open to all. However, we ask participants to park their cars carefully around town to avoid congestion in the area," Alim said.

On the venue, Karen Shepherd, group spokesperson, said: “We believe that the Council has a responsibility to provide an alternative venue for us since it was their initial agreement for us to use the Stadium that set our planning in motion. 

"To withdraw that approval at the last minute when sponsors have been found, banners printed and invitations issued, and then to turn their backs on the problems that their withdrawal has caused is a dereliction of that duty. 

"With respect to the police, we have made every attempt to engage with them and given them the opportunity to provide assistance and safeguards to the people of Serian, but they have chosen not to engage with us meaningfully – a clear sign that the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012 is being circumvented.”  

She added: “Under the Act, no police permit is required.  A notification has been made to police and further advice will be submitted to inform them officially of the forced change of venue. 

"We hope the police will support us in our constitutional right as an act of good faith. Events by civil society have been given the thumbs up in Miri, Kuching and Sibu.  The S4S group in Miri are holding a road tour around the town, for example, from Miri Indoor Stadium. It is unfortunate that Serian has chosen another route.”

So, S4S would like to call on Sarawakians to make this first Sarawak Day one to remember.  Let’s show the world what the people of this state are made of – our culture, our traditions, our behavior and our welcoming nature. 

"If we can prove to the local authorities our sincerity and motivation, then perhaps we will be finally on the road to having the recognition we deserve within Malaysia.  We hope everyone will fly the Sarawak flag at their homes, their businesses and elsewhere. 

"This is truly a day to celebrate being Sarawakian, for today and for the years to come. Happy Sarawak Day – we hope to see you there," she said.