Sim Kwng Yang
In Malaysian textbooks, much has been made of the three main races in our country — the Malays, Chinese and Indians. This national picture is a distortion, ignoring the colourful ethnographic composition of Sarawak.
In Sarawak, the Land of the Hornbills, the ethnographic picture is much more complex than in West Malaysia. There are officially 27 ethnic groups, with not a single one constituting a simple majority. Sarawak is rightly the most diverse and colourful conglomeration of the ethnic mix that makes this state so unique.
The Malay language is still the most important tongue of the land. But even here, unlike in West Malaysia, the Sarawak Malays speak a dialect that would be incomprehensible to most other Malays from the rest of the country. It is distinctively and unmistakeably a Malay language, though its route of evolution has taken a unique twist on its way to its present shape and form.
The single most widely spoken native language is Iban. The Iban language is pretty universal and spoken by 34 per cent of the total population of Sarawak, not counting those non-Ibans who are fluent in Iban. Even so, there are minor variations in the Iban spoken by the people of Sarawak, with small differences in the vocabulary and the modes of pronunciation of individual Iban words. For instance, the word Udoh is to the Rajang Iban, the word for dog, but away from the Rajang region, Ukoi is the more common term for that domestic animal much loved by the Iban.
The Bidayuh language is spoken by about 10 per cent of the population of Sarawak. But even among the Bidayuh, there are six major dialects and their speakers may not understand one another. It is not uncommon to see two Bidayuhs from Sarawak conversing in Malay because that is a common language that can be understood by all Bidayuhs.
By and large, the various dialects spoken by the Bidayuhs can be classified as follows: Bukar Bidayuh, Singai Bidayuh, Biatah Bidayuh, Semban Bidayuh, Bau-Jagoi Bidayuh, and Tebakang BIdayuh.
The greatest variety of languages can be found among the Orang Ulu, the collective name for the three dozen or so indigenous tongues spoken by the native upriver tribes. One of the smallest of these tribes is the Penan, accounting for 12,000 in absolute numbers.
Despite the great array of indigenous tongues, interpersonal and inter-tribal communication never poses much of a problem, for everybody reverts back to Pasar Malay, a kind of patois, serving as a lingua franca among all Sarawakians.
Though Bahasa Malaysia is touted as the national common language, it is not all that popular in daily use. Bahasa Malaysia is an official language of administration, and it is a very structured form of self-expression, totally alien to the rapid-fire Pasar Malay which is on everybody’s lips.
Among the many races, Iban is also used as a lingua franca among the ethnic communities. It is an easy language to learn, though its richness in verbal expression and complexity is hard to master.
Another of the major languages is Melanau, spoken by both Muslims and Christians alike. The Melanau enjoy great political influence in the state and some of the most notable Sarawakians come from this Melanau speaking group.
As their own contribution to this great linguistic diversity, the Chinese have their own Babel’s Tower. Though the Chinese speak the second largest collection of ethnic languages, they suffer from deep linguistic divisions. The Chinese speak numerous dialects, of which Hokkien, Foochow, Hakka, Cantonese, Teochew, Hailam and Henghua form the majority.
In recent years, politics has driven Mandarin to its pre-eminent position as the most common language spoken by the Chinese. Mandarin is a very literate form of the classical language, which will put off many first-time learners. They also have an advanced, complicated written form, and it would take many years for a non-Mandarin speaking person to master it.
As if this variety were not enough, there is also the English language widely used by the elite western-educated class of citizens. I daresay that the standard of written and spoken English in Sarawak is generally better than other parts of Malaysia. The English used by Sarawakians is mostly of the British variety, though American English is creeping into daily use, largely thanks to the advancing influence of the entertainment industry.
But whatever the complexity of the linguistic milieu, in talking across so many tongues, the great miracle in interpersonal communication in Sarawak is still the mutual respect held by so many people, speaking so many languages. Whatever differences in our modes of speaking, people in the Land of the Hornbills stand out as the most harmonious community in the entire country.
In Sarawak there are no strangers; there are only friends who have not yet met. That is the greatest story in this, the Land of Many Tongues, being played out among our people of one heart.
(The author can be reached at kenyalang578@hotmail.com. All comments are welcomed.)
ROAD MAP FOR SARAWAK INDEPENDENCE
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Meramat thanks for your considered comments and agreement on Sarawak Independence.
It is never too late to catch up in terms of human development! If we need another 50 years (while it seems unbearable) so be it and we still will strive for our goal!
There is already a vibrant awareness and discussion among the Dayaks in general and also other Sarawakians for genuine Independence which they lost twice- cession to Britain in 1946 and transfer of Sabah and Sarawak colonies to Malaya by way of “Independence in Malaysia” 1963.
Pakatan is clearly aware of the widespread Sarawak (and Sabah) people’s desire for independence as it has declared it will give us “Full Autonomy”.
The demands for independence arise from the concrete conditions of our colonial status which has seen the majority of ulu people bearing the brunt of Malayan plunder and pillage of their resources. Thus any independence movement will not compromise its position for independence- the right to self rule free from foreign domination.
Pakatan should make clear what is the “full autonomy” is has promised us? What are the terms and conditions?
Is it just a sweetener to keep Sarawak under Malayan rule or is it a genuine offer as the prelude to a referendum and independence as happened in East Timor and now Southern Sudan?
If the referendum is a prelude to a Sarawak independence, it could be seriously considered as a peaceful road to independence and frankly, the best option to avoid bloodshed.
Both East Timor and Southern Sudan had to wage long bloody a war to gain their right to independence. We know for East Timor its was a satisfactory ending (albeit soured by Indonesia and Australia attempts to gain control of East Timor oil). It seems oil floats up as an issue in quite a few independence struggles including S. Sudan.
UMNO has avoided responding to Pakatan’s announcement on “Full Autonomy”. It may usurp the idea and grasp this as an acceptable way to cool down the Sarawak and Sabah demands for independence with plenty of attractive terms and conditions and win votes at the same time. The people could be fooled again.
In our opinion, it will not make promises which it will be held bound to comply with and it will not give up control of Sarawak’s lucrative oilfields and oil revenue.
On the other hand, UMNO has a ready made excuse to clamp down on Pakatan for being “disloyal” to the Constitution (depending on the contents of Pakatan’s autonomy offer). Secession is illegal under the Federal Constitution. This law will not stand in our way as we do not recognise it.
UMNO must bear in mind “autonomy” was actually an item previously promised as safeguards for Sabah and Sarawak but which they have reneged on in practice. For example the Malayanisation of the local constabulary, civil service and education system which should be under local control.
It would be interesting to see what comes next!
UMNO is capable of doing anything in its present mental condition. Another Operation Lallang is always possible. A clean sweep and detention for a few years and the opposition will be weakened for another 25 years and 5 more GEs.
We must not forget we are still being ruled under 4 unrevoked “State of Emergency” declared in 1948 (“The Malayan Emergency”), 1964 (Indonesia’s Konfrontasi to “Smash Malaysia”), 1966 (Sarawak “Constitutional Crisis”) 1969 (May 13th Massacre). The practice of grass root democracy through elected local municipal councils and village headmen among the ulu people was suspended in 1964.
The question is will UMNO be smart enough to weigh out the consequences of another Operation Lallang – not just internationally but more important locally?
Another round of repression may drive all opposition underground and open a up new front.
This of course is dependent on how far the people themselves wish to go to get their independence.
The movement for Sarawak independence will have to consider all other options when its has no free avenues left to work for national independence.
Comment by Sarawakbaru — January 6, 2011 @ 11:28 PM |
Friends the Sarawak Independence Movement (SIM) does exist and all of us who desire this independence are members. It is reflected in all your expressions whether softly or loudly about what you want.
We were denied independence twice in 1946 when the opportunity came up and again in 1963. The consequences of another 50 years of colonial domination is too much to bear! Others will take up the banner than.
Your contributions at this stage is to continue to arouse all others to the alternative road we wish to take to free ourselves.
To start the ball rolling it is proposed that in due course a draft document be drafted and presented setting out the aims and objectives of the SIM movement and submitted to all Sarawakians for consideration and contribution of ideas. This is the most democratic way for everyone who believe in the idea to participate in the construction of a New Free and Democratic Sarawak. It could be our Declaration of Freedom and Independence.
The easiest way is on the internet. So please be patient.
The issue of a referendum has to be dealt with. It is a foregone conclusion that Kuala Lumpur will not agree. Will PKR go with Meramat’s suggestion. May be, if they are that “progressive”.
Our position to a referendum is “yes” subject to it being conducted and supervised fairly by an independent body like the UN.
If is not possible to have a referendum we still fight for independence.
Sarawak Independence is our right.
Thank you.
Comment by Sarawakbaru — January 4, 2011 @ 4:25 PM |
Sarawakbaru,
Sarawak Independence is the cleanest way for East and West Malaysia to progress forward in terms of human development since the gap in every aspects, is really beyond remediation after 50 years of false nation building. So as a political theory, thinking outside the box – its only better for the region if Sarawak, Sabah and Malaya separate. I very much doubt on a person2person level, if true blue orang kampung in West Malaysia would give a hoot about his counterpart in Sarawak: and I think the feeling is mutual. West never intended to meet East, to forge a nation – and so the manifested disparity and the growing gap is only accelerated and cannot be stitched up with palliatives anymore.
The thing about Pakatan Rakyat is that although I foresee they can never formally grant Sarawak a right to conduct a referendum, but as proponent of true freedom and free speech – with a formally stated position to remove the draconian ISA law,they will provide the climate to allow Sarawakian to freely discuss their political future in the Federation with fear of reprisal, even in a non-binding “Internet-style” referendum.
If Pakatan Rakyat were to lose badly in the next General Election, Barisan National may be embolden to regress and remove all vestige of free speech, and may even launch another Operation Lallang. So, those with the 50 year itch for Sarawak Independence would still want to align with Pakatan, to keep freedom alive – if not to nudge it forward.
The question is whether Pakatan Rakyat would be a willing partner, to the notion of an Independent Movement for Sarawak ? Just a gut feeling: I think Pakatan will see their support among rural Dayak roll like Tsunami if they are willing to define “berubah” without any “ambiguity”…. Politically most Dayak rank and file, see only 2 real political change: rule by England and rule by Malaya. If Pakatan throw in a roadmap for referendum towards possible Independence, I think the rural Dayak will understand that to mean, the third change – self-rule, and be ignited with imagination. I think the couldn’t careless attitude of rural voters,is symptomatic of a skepticism in the perceived incremental “berubah”.
However, it may not be possible at all for Pakatan Rakyat to throw “direct” support behind Sarawak Independent: Pakatan can get deregister by ROS – and I reckon, the small number of 31 Sarawak MPs won’t be worth the risk for Pakatan leaders.But of course, they can support in other ways.
If SIM were to be formed, it would certainly enrich the political landscape in Sarawak and set kopi tiam abuzz – if it can survive the long reach of the Malaysian cyber cops. Nevertheless, looking forward to the birth of SIM. And if Pakatan is convinced that the partnership is mutually beneficial,then they might be convinced to take a more “progressive” stance (not only issuing statement but would set out to dismantle remaining laws which bar free speech – say, on “seditious” topic).
Comment by MERAMAT TAJAK — January 5, 2011 @ 10:34 PM |
Although I always feel I am a young anak Sarawakian at heart no matter what they are trying to convince us to be, this video is still very moving
Comment by Pippit — January 3, 2011 @ 8:55 PM |
Land of many tongues, sadly we are not united enough against BN.
Comment by sam — January 3, 2011 @ 2:28 AM |
Get rid of the thief minister first then autonomy for Sarawak with an enhanced 18 points agreement. At some point in time under a transparent governance, the democratically elected new government must hold a referendum on “Sarawak Independence”.
Comment by KK Lau — January 1, 2011 @ 8:49 PM |
KK Lau,
Sorry to disagree with you on this one, but no – not quite true.
Although Pakatan 100-day plan, include removal of ISA, I think there are still other oppressive laws which would make it illegal (seditious) – for anyone to talk openly and to associate on Sarawak Independence. Putting Pakatan into the Federal Government does not make it any easier to achieve independence.
That said, I think it can be a “game changer” in national politics if a Sarawak Independence Movement can be set up. And in relation to the hypothetical launching of SIM, Pakatan would have pushed the envelope up a notch on commitment to human freedom, if it were to issue a statement to the following effect:
“We don’t agree with the idea to grant Sarawak the right to secede from the Federation since the Federal Constitution has an article prohibiting it, but a Pakatan goverment will guarantee the people’s right to talk freely and to associate, without any intimidation on the subject, as a matter of principle”.
Interesting possibilities if Pakatan can wrest control of Fed government, but I think we should not get carried away on whether that will serve the cause for an Independent Sarawak. The signs aren’t there.
Comment by MERAMAT TAJAK — January 4, 2011 @ 12:00 AM |
They can always change their constitution once they achieve the relevant majority and let us go free. Saves a lot or back and forth arguments!
Comment by freeman2010 — January 4, 2011 @ 4:29 PM |
The only way Sarawak can achieve true independence for its people and achieve equality and progress is to KICK OUT UMNO and its proxy the PBB. All right thinking Malays/Melanaus and Dayaks in Sarawak must vote out PBB for being the proxy for UMNO. UMNO has held on to its dominance through its divide and rule policy and by allowing Tun Rahman and now Taib Mahmud to colonized Sarawakians especially the poor Malays/Melanaus and Dayaks. In return for ensuring Sarawak BN wins all rural seats, Taib virtually has a free hand in alienating any parcel of land (state and NCR), and awarding all major contracts or projects to his children and cronies.
The rest of the Sarawak BN components, SUPP, SPDP and PRS are expected to be dead silent and would see nothing, hear nothing and shall be mute for their own survival.
Vote against BN now and for for change in 2011! Vote for Pakatan to be the new government>
Comment by Ronnie — January 1, 2011 @ 4:44 PM |
SKY’s article on our multi-racial society has created a lot of debate beginning with a comment on “Sarawak and its People”
I was lucky to be handed down a copy of this book which I read several times. It is a reference text on Sarawak before we became part of “Malaysia”. It is no longer available and one sense that the education department does wish to expose us to our previous existence.
For our generation born after 1963 we never learned anything more than a few lines about Sarawak history and all we have absorb appears to be a one-sided presentation glorifying the role of UMNO as the party that gained “independence”.
I had to re-learn our history. Although there are numerous books on Sarawak we never were referred to them at school. The government text books have little details on the history leading to the creation of Malaysia.
From the Sarawak websites I picked up and became aware that prior to Malaysia and British colonial rule, Sarawak existed as a “semi-independent self-governing state”. We had our own national identity. So it is puzzling why our leaders did not fight for an independent Sarawak?
After reading all the information I could find I realise that we have not got very far from the days of British colonial rule.
What more, “Sarawak and its People” could be read as “Colonised Sarawak and its Oppressed People” since we do not enjoy the benefits of real independence although Sarawak is so rich in resources. Everything seem to flow overseas into the purse of the Kuala Lumpur government especially our oil and gas.
Sarawak Report expose has educated me on how our “rulers” have robbed all of us for the last 47 years and enriched themselves.
So does “independence” mean the freedom for them to rob our country under the guise of “development”?
I have become aware that so many ulu people are suffering because of the “development projects” which resulted in their being deprived of their land and homes and resources. The government used force to evict the people from their own land and call them squatters! Their timberland are cleared and replaced with oil palm plantations owned by Taib and UMNO crony companies.
The ulu people have become much poorer than before Malaysia. It is a shock to learn that Sarawak has become one of the poorest states in Malaysia. Billions have been wasted on projects which do not benefit the people like the Bakun white elephant project. I am outraged to learn that Taib wants to spent billions of our money to “buy back” Bakun from Mahathir’s company!
The Sarawak internet websites appears to be set on fire with widespread calls for “freedom and independence”. It must reflect the deep feelings of many Sarawakians.
So in 2011 “Sarawak and its People” have remained “Colonised Sarawak and its Oppressed People”. That is why the government won’t make available the book so we cannot compare before and after Malaysia.
Comment by WoundedKenyalang — January 1, 2011 @ 3:10 PM |
The SKY article sort of gave way to reminiscence of our previous idealised existence as “Sarawak and its People”.
I was lucky to be handed down a copy of “Sarawak and its People” and enjoyed reading the book many times.
It is like the reference text on what we should be. We compare and realise we have lost so much of our ideal.
Sarawak today is no longer “Sarawak and its People”. Looking at the reality we are no more than “Colonised Sarawak and its oppressed People”!
This much I can read and understand from the furious debates by bloggers on the Sarawak websites and would like to thank them all for arousing my awareness as a Sarawakian.
To me all the Sarawak websites seem to be yelling out for “independence” “freedom” one way or the other.
For those of us born after 1963, we never learned anything of what is being said by bloggers like MERDEKASARAWAK, Orangsbangkit etc. In a sense this is new to us as we think as if we are part of “Malaysia” and never realised we have our own natonal identity before Malaysia!
So what happened and why does the government provide text books which are silent about our real history? Aren’t we supposed to be taught the truth???
I want to know!
Comment by WoundedKenyalang — January 1, 2011 @ 1:45 PM |
One more awakened Sarawakian!
Young fellow just keep reading the comments on the websites- They represent the real feelings of many Sarawakians who see and choose an alternative road of freedom and independence from Malayan rule!
The solution is out there!
Comment by Orang2bangkit — January 1, 2011 @ 1:54 PM |
MERDEKASARAWAK on November 11th, 2010 9:16 pm DAYAKBARU.COM
FYI one of the comments Reposted as relevant to current debate – slightly edited. The comments were raised in Dayakbaru in a debate on the issue of “patriotism” after the real UMNO patriots said of Chinese an Indians not being fit to join their army because they were not “patriotic enough”.
Many comments popped up that many Dayak askar (soldiers) had died unremembered by UMNO altho Dayak askar died to defend UMNO’s very existence.
ON PATRIOTISM- (FRIENDS OR ENEMIES?)
……. said the truth that UMNO is no shining example of patriotism. The leaders don’t really care about developing the country but more in stripping its wealth- so are they patriots?
Also Dayak fighters died for nothing fighting an enemy they did not even understand.
Did they understand what the Kommunis were trying to tell them? It seems they were saying “Fight for freedom for foreign domination plunder and for genuine independence”.
(READ about one Malay Kommunis – Shamsiah Fakeh (1924 – October 20, 2008) a Malayan nationalist and feminist. She was the leader of Angkatan Wanita Sedar (AWAS), Malaya’s first nationalist women organization and a prominent Malay leader of the Communist Party of Malaya (CPM). She said in her biography “In the foreword of her book, she states that she does not want to be remembered only as the female leader of CPM. Instead, she said : “I was merely a woman fighting the British for my country’s independence and the emancipation of women.””
After defending Malaya for decades the Kuala Lumpur gomen forgot to even sincerely honour them. Some grave stones ares still standing on some main road in Singapore or lost in the jungle.The fallen Dayaks are only remembered by their comrades in arms and family and friends.
THEY WERE USED & SACRIFICED BY THE MALAYAN GOMEN AS THEIR SHIELD against the people who wanted to kick them out with guns.
Then they fought in Sarawak and again did they know what they were fighting for? They fought people including Dayaks with the same idea to free our country from foreign domination and plunder and for a free and independent Sarawak. Again their message was not heard and it was a case of shooting the messenger. The truth of the message did not change.
When the old soldiers settled back to their longhouses, they discovered that they have been robbed of their ancestral land by the same gomen they were defending for years! Now they see that their means of survival are stripped of its wealth and they are left with nothing. When they stand up to oppose the land grabs they are arrested and jailed.
So the truth comes home: No freedom in our own land, land is plundered and we are dominated and ruled by a foreign gomen (Kuala Lumpur). But we shot the messengers! Are we scratching our heads?
They may be a few kommunis leaders who were bought over by the gomen with lots of money but they are the minority who betrayed their ideals. No one will respect them. But there are others who are suffering as much as the ulu folks.
The Question is patriotism for what?
All non-Malay Muslims are discriminated in the corrupt UMNO apartheid system and told they are “pendatangs go home”- But go where if they were born and bred in the country whether it be Malaya, Sarawak or Sabah?
In fact all UMNO leaders should be DNA tested and find out when they come from- Arabia, Pakistan, India, Indonesia, China? We won’t be surprised! Only the Orang alsi are the first Malayans.Will they go back to their land of origins??!(see joke below)
Don’t forget we have had 47 years of PBB LED massive land grabs, loss of timber wealth resources and productive jungle land and river land. We got in return- NO development for the people, thousands of landless people (called squatters by the gomen! Add insult to injury!) environmental disasters- log jams & Our beloved Rajang drying up!, aluminium poisoning from smelters, floods, infertile soil, Bakun disaster- thousands more made landless and homeless. The gomen promises more disasters with another 12 dams- means more landless and homeless people.
SO HOW CAN WE BE PATRIOTIC TO UMNO PBB BN WHO BETRAYED US AGAIN & AGAIN?
WAKE UP DAYAKS! FIGHT FOR YOUR LAND AND RIGHTS!
DON’T LET DOWN RENTAP WHO IS LOOKING ON SADLY TO SEE HIS CHILDREN BEING KICKED AROUND! HE FOUGHT AND NEVER SURRENDERED. DON’T MAKE HIM FEEL ASHAMED OF US. FIGHT BACK! WE WERE WARRIORS!
Comment by Dayaklife — January 1, 2011 @ 1:05 PM |
I RECOMMEND ALL READERS TRY READING THE ISSUE OF “PATRIOTISM” ON DAYAKBARU WEBSITE PAGE.
You will open your minds to the wide ranging views and calls for Sarawak independence by Dayak people.
You are not alone.
All no-Dayaks unite with the Dayaks for Sarawak independence!
THE IDEA IS SPREADING LIKE WILD FIRE!
Comment by Dayaklife — January 1, 2011 @ 12:28 PM |
Title of the page on Dayabaru.com is “Chinese, Indians not patriotic enough for military”
correction: “All non-Dayaks”
Comment by Dayaklife — January 1, 2011 @ 12:30 PM |
HH2M thought you were the one with ideas and wanted independence!
Sure we are not unrealistic to believe UMNO will happily agree to Sarawak “secession” or real independence.
The Sabah 7 were arrested in 1991 for “plotting” to take Sabah out of Malaysia. So now it is a crime to want to be free. Some were jailed for a few years.
Jeffery Kitingan was one of them. He is out and has bounced back with more proposals and demands for implementation of our 18/20 points rights.
For a start may be try persuade some of your contacts and they can persuade their friends. That’s how things change.
Any journey must begin with one small step.
Comment by headhunter1million — January 1, 2011 @ 12:00 PM |
Sarawak independence? Dream on folks! You guys can’t even get rid of Taib Mahmud, what more to say of independence.
Comment by ColourBlind — December 31, 2010 @ 4:28 PM |
,…. Baby steps first
Comment by sam — December 31, 2010 @ 11:25 PM |
Dreams can come true. It may not happen overnight.
DO you not love your country and desire real change?
Do you prefer that we and the ulu folks continue to suffer under the rule of a foreign ruler that has with Taib robbed us for 47 years- no add another year- 48 now!?
Why not to read what has been written in HU and elsewhere more carefully and understand the messages.
These are calls to fight for freedom.
It is for us to organise and free ourselves. It has happened everywhere on earth. Some people succeed earlier some take a longer time. I read in one of the blogs the Vietnamese started 2000 years ago and they never gave up until they finally are free and independent.
It all starts with an understanding of our history, love for our country- and a sense of justice- righting to right the wrongs which have been imposed on us by Taib and his foreign masters.
I too learned this from the net.
Comment by Everyman — January 1, 2011 @ 11:08 AM |
Bring this back:
“Fair Land Sarawak
We will never cease to honour thee
and with our loyal sons
Defend your liberty
From your high forest hills,
Down to the open sea
May freedom ever reign
Men Live in Unity
Proudly our Flag flies high
above our Country Strong and Free
Long may our Peoples live
in Peace and harmony”
Comment by ibat — December 31, 2010 @ 7:47 AM |
FIGHT FOR A NEW SARAWAK!
Before we can restore our Sarawak National Anthem we need to win our freedom from foreign KL colonial domination. The song has to be re-framed as a song for freedom struggle:
“Fair Land Sarawak (or Take Back My Country)
We will never cease to honour thee
Our loyal sons and daughters will rise
and fight to the death for your liberty
From your high forest hills,
Down to the open sea
We will fight till freedom will ever reign
and we all Live in Unity
Proudly our Flag flies high
above our Country Strong and Free
Long may our Peoples live
in Peace and harmony”
Just by making slight changes to a few lines we can find the answer to our freedom.
If we don’t fight we will languish and suffer forever as prisoners in the neo-colonial state of Malaysia.
Be loyal and patriotic to our country. Fight for our liberty.
This demands sacrifice.
Loyal sons and daughters of Sarawak, patriots unite and fight for a new Sarawak!
Comment by Orang2bangkit — December 31, 2010 @ 10:23 AM |
Is there any organisation for Sarawak liberalisation movement? Any website, contact etc. I am already immune for Malaysian government prosecution and I believe there is something that I am able to cobtribute.
Comment by William — December 31, 2010 @ 10:58 AM |
The movement for Sarawak national independence and liberation exists.
All patriots will know when the time comes.
Our current task is to rally our brothers and sisters of all races everywhere to unite and rise to free ourselves from Malayan rule.
You “join” but promoting the idea of Sarawak Independence and liberation to all your contacts.
On the internet we can instantly “unite” with Sarawakians everywhere.
Fair land Sarawak
We will never cease to honour thee
Our loyal sons and daughters will rise
and fight to the death for your liberty
From your high forest hills,
Down to the open sea
We will fight till freedom will ever reign
and we all Live in Unity
Proudly our Flag flies high
above our Country Strong and Free
Long may our Peoples live
in Peace and harmony”
Comment by Orang2bangkit — December 31, 2010 @ 11:15 AM |
I am expecting that something gonna open the eyes of the world in 2011…
the liberalisation of Sarawak….the day will come…….
The Federal will never let go Sarawak/Sabah to break away……so how many people out there willing to go all the way…How many people out there are willing to sacrifice??
Comment by Headhunter2million — December 31, 2010 @ 2:49 PM |
What a beautiful song. I am living oversea now. Let me know what I can do to help the liberation movement. We need a leader. A leader who is willing to sacrifice and not bloody opportunists like what we have now. We need a Nelson Mandela for Sarawak. Yes, one who is able to unit all the tribes and races. Please pray.
Comment by William — December 31, 2010 @ 10:49 AM |
We need everyone to stand up and be counted!
Comment by Orang2bangkit — December 31, 2010 @ 11:16 AM |
Yes indeed we Sarawakians comprise a unique bred carrying a special identity of Asia. With its uniqueness our State contains many great treasures of irrespective potential both socially and economically and when open up to the world Sarawak may be 1st Class goldmine of Asia. Let us recall on why there was a sudden removal of our primary text, Sarawak and Its People, by MG Dickson. Over the 45+years many came to picture out the pinches, the stinks and the stings of that Barat that coming more and more imminent each passing day. Will we Sarawakians be eveready standup now and champion for a change in the political, cultural and social landscapes to navigate our colourful State more toward a traditional wholesome family composing of our indigeneous, early settlers and emigrants preserving and promoting more historical values rather than manipulating and distorting tales just to gain control over and overule the silent rests. I am afraid the former British servants were not evils afterall. With assistance from our locals they wrote stacks and stacks of interesting articles on the overall affairs of Sarawak and had them published in The State Gazette. What are the features of today State Gazette that contributed toward our Sarawak people? Is it “Saya menurut Perintah” or “Saya yang Ketuanan”. Isn’t Sarawak STILL a Fairland. Would you like seeing Sarawakians painted grey. We Love Sarawak. We must Vote for a Change then.
Comment by Miaowkia — December 31, 2010 @ 1:31 AM |
If you still got your copy of “Sarawak and its People” it will be priceless! It was as simple but GREAT book.
It portrayed Sarawak as it was – all its people with lovely pictures in a fair and non-discriminatory way.
Those were the days! When we were not complicated by racial politics.
Now we get the barat crap apartheid ideas disguised as “education”.
Result?- ZERO MARKS – we get uneducated and ignorant youths who have to be re-educated again!
May be HU could publish the book on its website.
It belongs to all Sarawakians!
Comment by pippit — January 1, 2011 @ 1:24 PM |
THOUGHTS ON CONSTRUCTING A NEW INDEPENDENT SARAWAK
It is good that we start to think of how to construct our new independent country as an alternative to the “Malaysia” which is only prolonging our colonial status.
We need to firstly examine the present ills and wrongs of our society now and see how we can find solutions to correct the inconsistencies.
A new Independent Sarawak State has to be re-defined as a genuinely democratic independent country-so everyone loyal to Sarawak has a place in it regardless of race, language or religious beliefs.
To give true meaning to the phrase “racial equality”.No one race should dominate the others as at present.
All the diverse local languages and cultures should be encouraged and promoted just as much as the dignity and pride of all races should be upheld.
The issue of a national language has to be resolved. Perhaps English has to be used as the official language as it will be neutral (altho it has colonial origins but then we done have to be ultra nationalists insisting on racial domination like UMNO!)
This demands give and take by all sections of society.
True, we should learn and adapt from others what is positive and useful for the re-building of our country society and economy free from corruption and nepotism.
There are however certain fundamental things that must exists for us to achieve the stage of being better human beings:
Justice and fairness, equality and liberty (and now in the new age) PLUS transparency and accountability of government.
Dreams can come true.
Happy New Year. New Year New Ideas!
Comment by Everyman — December 31, 2010 @ 11:02 AM |
That the problem with the Malays…they thing they are the superior race…same as the NAZI.
I speak 3 other different languages apart from BM and English and also speak fluently 6 sarawak local dialects, fair on 2-3 others and speaks or understands the Chinese[s} langauge….teochew..slow down little lah…
I am still who I am now….. and it make life easier when I travel!
Comment by Headhunter8million — December 31, 2010 @ 2:39 PM |