KUCHING: The Sarawak for Sarawakians (S4S) 722 walk committee, comprising volunteers, has been dissolved as both events have been implemented.
According to the organising chairman, Peter John Jaban, they were now focusing on highlighting another historic date – August 18.
“August 18, 1841, is actually an important date as it marks the birth of Sarawak.
“On that day, the Brunei sultanate surrendered this part of its land, from Lundu to Sadong, to the White Rajah,” said Peter.
He said the theme for the event would be an all white affair, and he hoped to call this group the ‘818’.
“Since we had some difficulties before with the authorities, we aimed to hold the celebration at food outlets or bars,” he said, adding that 818 was not a protest or a rally, but just a celebration of the birth of a nation.
On another matter, Peter said he planned to meet Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem in two weeks’ time to present a banner signed by Sarawakians who attended the 719 and 722 events.
“The banner symbolises our continuous call for referendum for autonomy, relooking the Malaysian Agreement, and the 18-point agreement for Sarawak.”
Peter also questioned the rationale of the state government in holding another similar event that might cost thousands when the S4S walk was done with minimal cost.
“Our sound system only costs about RM600, and I had to fork out around RM1,000 of my own pocket money. The flags, caps and T-shirts used by those attending were all bought by themselves,” he said, adding that he was also approached by several lawyers who offered legal assistance.
He said the thousands of ringgit used were much better spend on those who had yet to receive electricity, clean water supply and roads.
Peter later on said S4S was looking at having over 100 group chats in Wechat and Whatsapp, where each group has a maximum of 500 persons.
“We had around 500 group chat now, consisting of Chinese, Malays and Dayaks, and we do hope to add more in future as a tool for everyone to get information of the S4S team and the referendum.
The event 722 was held here on July 22, and about 5,000 people participated.
Similar events were held here, Sibu and Miri on July 19.-Borneo Post
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