Fairland Sarawak

LONG LIVE SARAWAK!
 

 I’m not asking for a public holiday or anything, although that would be nice. But all I’m hoping for is that we keep this day special in our Sarawakian heart. As a true Sarawakian, I consider July 22nd as an important date in our beloved State’s history. So sad when my government told that I that I must celebrate the Independence Day of my country on the 31st of August. But what is so wrong about this that it makes me sad? Not many Sarawakians realise this but July 22, 1963 was the day Sarawak gained its independence. And of course young people nowadays, many didn't know what happens on 22 July 1963.  It has probably been wiped off the official history text books, or glossed over during history classes. (mujurlah I tahu) ehehe

Let me tell you. If you don’t like dry and boring history lessons, you can leave my blog now. But if you have less than a minutes to spare, read on. 

The Kingdom of Sarawak was a state in Borneo established by Sir James Brooke in 1841 by receiving independent kingdom status from the Sultanate of Brunei as a reward for helping fight piracy and insurgency. In 1888 Charles Anthoni Johnson Brooke , the successor of James Brooke, accepted a British Protectorate,which it remained until 1946, when the third ruler Charles Vyner Brooke ceded his rights to the United Kingdom.

Sarawak was officially granted independence on 22 July 1963 from United Kingdom, and with Malaya, Sabah,and Singapore, formed federation of Malaysia on 16 September 1963. Malaysia Day, the 16th of September, 1963, however, means a lot to me. It was the date my beloved Sarawak became a part of a new nation, standing tall and proud in the world among other independent nations.




Fair Land Sarawak was the anthem of the Sarawak from 1946 (post handover) until 1973.

Lyric :

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

Iban lyrics:

Pemanah Sarawak kami selalu mri puji

nyaga pengelantang menoa, anak kami

Ari bukit,kampong ngagai tasik nyadi

Pemaik meruan, kami begempang ati

Tinggi menira bediri datas menoa kami

Gayu mensia diau ikun enggau rami

Farewell speech by Charles Brooke, Rajah of Sarawak to the Sarawak People

“I beg that you will listen to what I have to say, that you will recollect my words, and endeavour to call them to mind when I am no longer with you. I will make known of what is in my mind to my successor, but I can only be responsible during this my lifetime.

I have lived in this country now for 60 years, and for the greater part of that time as Rajah. I know that I feel as you do in every way regarding the present and future for the existence and welfare of the inhabitants. I think after so long a period you will allow me to open my mouth and give my opinion truthfully. Has it ever occurred to you that after my time out here others may appear with soft and smiling countenances to deprive you of what is solemnly your right, and that is the very land on which you live.This land is your inheritance on which your flesh and blood exist, the source of your income, the food even of your mouths. If this is once lost to you, no amount of money could recover it. That is why the cultivation of your own land by yourselves or by those that live in the country in important to you now.Cultivation by strangers, by those who might carry the value of their products out of the country to enrich their shareholders? Such products should be released by your own industries and for your own benefits. Unless you follow this advice you will lose your birthright, which will be taken from you by strangers and speculators who will in their turn become masters and owners, whilst you yourselves, you people of the soil, will be thrown aside, and become nothing but coolies and outcasts of the island.”

How I wish, for a country all of our own. Our own flag, our own anthem and even our own money! 

DUM SPIRO SPERO

While I Breathe, I Hope

Agi Idup Agi Ngelaban

Darum aku ngasung aku harap (biatah bidayuh)

Daang oku ngasong oku arap (bau bidayuh)

Born as a Sarawakian. Forever grateful for that, thank you Lord.