Sarawak Day in Malaysia 2023: Date, History, Facts about Sarawak

Sarawak Day is observed on July 22 by the Malaysian state of Sarawak. It commemorates the Raj of Sarawak’s 1963 declaration of independence and statehood. Sarawak Day was declared a public holiday in 2016 in order to commemorate and increase awareness of the state’s history. There have been attempts to falsify Sarawak’s history for political advantage, but the state gained independence from the British on July 22, 1963, as a member of the Malaysian Federation. This day represents sovereignty and the significance of self-government for a long-oppressed people.

The background of Sarawak Day

The Sultanate of Brunei transferred control of the Raj of Sarawak to the British Brooke Dynasty in 1841. Sarawak became a British protectorate after the United States and the British recognised it as a sovereign nation. In 1946, Sarawak became a fully-fledged Crown Colony after a brief period of administration by the British military near the close of World War II. The Brookes then transferred Sarawak to the British Crown. This transfer and subsequent demotion to colony status was met with significant opposition from the Sarawakian people, who demanded independence. Rosli Dhobi, a revolutionary, subsequently assassinated Duncan Stewart, the second administrator of Sarawak. Dhobi was convicted and executed for the crime. Anthony Abell took over for Stewart.

The Cobbold Commission, of which Abell was a member, conferred Sarawak de facto statehood in September 1963 on the condition that the state join the Federation of Malaysia. Governor Alexander Waddel transferred authority to the first Sarawakian Chief Minister, Stephen Kalong Ningkan, and the new members of the Supreme Council before leaving the state.

Under the direction of Chief Minister Adenan Satem, the 22nd of July was declared a public holiday in 2016 and designated “Sarawak Independence Day.” Today, the holiday serves as a reminder of Sarawak’s lengthy relationship with the British and its eventual independence.

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