S4S movement proceeds with independence walk around Kuching

Supporters of the Sarawak for Sarawakians (S4S) movement proceeded with its walk around Kuching today in remembrance of Sarawak’s independence from the British colonisation.

Sarawak achieved its independence on July 22, 1963, three weeks before the establishment of Malaysia together with Malaya, Sabah and Singapore.

Almost 2,000 people joined in the peaceful march which begin at the Song Kheng Hai field as early as 7.30am.

It took place simultaneously with the official ceremony by the state government attended by Governor Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud, Chief Minister Tan Sri Adenan Satem and other state leaders.

Observations by Astro AWANI found that situation remained under control with no untoward incidents.

The supporters marched from the Song Kheng Hai field towards Padang Merdeka while waving the original Sarawak flag used between from 1963 until 1973.

Inspector General of Police, Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar in a statement on Tuesday warned the organisers to call-off the event “on reasons of security and public safety”.

“The police will not hesitate to take under the available laws against organisers and committee members to preserve the well-being of the people and the sovereignty of the country,” said Khalid.

He added police received information that there were quarters who aimed to use the march to incite the sentiments of Sarawakians to secede from the federation of Malaysia.

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