Sarawak will remain in Malaysia, says Riot

Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri Richard Riot Jaem has no doubts that Sarawak will remain in Malaysia.

Riot, who is also Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP) deputy president, said the gathering held in Kuching yesterday to mark the anniversary of Sarawak's independence from the British on July 22, 1963 only reflected the sentiment of the participants and not the state government.

"The thought of leaving Malaysia has never crossed our minds," Riot, who is Serian MP, told reporters here.

Although organisers of the #722 Sarawak Freedom and Independence Walk stressed that the gathering was not to urge Sarawak to leave Malaysia but the 8,000-odd participants wore black T-shirts with the slogan "Sarawak for Sarawakians" and carried banners and the state's old and new flags.

He said Sarawak Chief Minister Tan Sri Adenan Satem was making "a few requests for the state", and he believed that Datuk Seri Najib Razak would listen to him.

"I know the prime minister is close to Sarawak and as a minister from Sarawak, I am happy that he has Sarawak close to his heart," he added.

Organising chairman, Peter John Jaban had said the gathering was held to voice demands on the issues of education, health and oil royalty.