Tun Mahathir’s recent warning that action would be taken under Sedition Act if calls for Sarawak secession threaten public order did not come out of the blue.
Instead, it was more likely a calculated move to preempt any call for Sarawak Independence in the run up to the Sarawak Day celebration falling on 22 July. As usual he is crafty and calculative in his actions, and never impromptu when making strategic moves.
He does not seem to worry, since at this stage we do not fight for independence, but only for the Sarawak’s Rights granted under Malaysia Agreement 63.
Probably, that is where the problem lies. Mahathir knows the state’s goal. He just needs to remind us of that goal, and not to breach its limit. Perhaps he feels easy with this goal and therefore is in no hurry to give any concession. So far we have not heard of what happens to our demand for 20% Oil Royalty. He keeps on saying that PETRONAS will go bankrupt if the states’s demand is met. In fact I have demonstrated that PETRONAS can afford to pay that 20% Royalty. It is the Federal Government that takes it away from PETRONAS. This year alone an additional sum of RM35 bil., most of which come from Sarawak, has been sucked away from PETRONAS to service Federal Government debts.
If Sarawak finds it too difficult to get the promised 20% Oil Royalty, why not just increase our Sales Tax on Petroleum to 20% instead, and let the court decides in the event it is contested by PETRONAS.
The state organised Sarawak Day celebration goes on as usual, this year in Bintulu where the first Council Negeri sitting was held over a hundred years ago. Coincidently, Bintulu is also the core of the Oil and Gas activities in the state – the sore point of the State/Federal relationship.It is encouraging to know that more than 10,000 people celebrated and some 2,000 ran for the marathon, a main event of the celebration. It is a good response.
But, in Kuching it is business as usual, except for a gathering at Padang Merdeka by pro independence NGOs. They are understandably unhappy with the slow progress of the autonomy negotiation between the State and the Federal Governments, and are prepared to push the limit further for outright independence.
There are no widespread flying of Sarawak flags on buildings, on cars or motorcycles in most part of the state, unlike the usual case on Malaysia Day. This is Sarawak, people are very tolerant; any activities are done in an atmosphere of tolerance and festivities. Perhaps, they are not yet in gear for the latest event, the Sarawak Day celebration. Sarawakians, are still more familiar with 31 August celebration, the Malayan merdeka day which actually has nothing to do with us.
When I asked young kids why we have holiday on 22 July, they appear to be at a loss. Don’t blame them. Since primary one in school they are only taught of 31 August as the merdeka day. They are indifferent to the two dates, adding it is better to keep both; at least we have two days not having to go to school.
Well, perhaps here in school is where young children should begin to learn and understand the history of their state; the knowledge of our common existence long before Malaysia was born and; the meaning of being part of a larger country, which include the huge contributions and sacrifices that Sarawak has given to the nation as against whatever we have enjoyed so far as part of a larger country. There have to be give and take, but not a lopsided partnership where Sarawak has shouldered a heavy burden to help finance and develop Malayan states at the expense of our own.
In this respect Tun Mahathir himself should know better that peace and cooperation is of utmost importance to preserve the integrity of a nation, especially when we are separated by a the vast waters of the South China Sea. The growing demand for fairness and to recognise Sarawak Rights should not be ignored as more and more Sarawakians are becoming aware that we have been short-changed all along.
He should look at the attitude of some of his ministers in dealing with Sarawak. We note that some ministers like Datuk Azmin Ali and Maszlee Malik look more willing to cooperate, but not the like of Lim Guan Eng who comes across as arrogant in dealing with Sarawak. He even dragged his feet and imposed ridiculous conditions even when Sarawak is more than willing to help financing the repair of the huge number of dilapidated school buildings which are literally falling apart. Needless to say generally Sarawakians hate him.
It is a relief to note that the State Government is taking a more moderate stance of preferring to remain in the country and confine the struggle to power devolution and autonomy. But there are other forces at work too. These are NGOs and individuals, who are willing to go futher for independence, if Putrajaya ignores their demand for Sarawak’s Rights.
It is not too late for Putrajaya to listen while the moderates still represent the Sarawak’s voice. The more extreme voices will definitely grow louder as time goes by and as younger people begin to understand what is at stake. If that happens, there may be no turning back.
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DAH IKHWAN
