Mr. Leslie Ting Siong Ngiap, Chairman of Parti Bumi Kenyalang (PBK) Miri Division and Supreme Council Organising Secretary, stated that the claim by the Sarawak government, political parties, or other individuals that Sarawak attained freedom and independence on 22 July 1963 is incorrect. Historically, Sarawak was never decolonised, nor was it ever granted independence.

What Sarawak received was limited autonomy, as the British continued to control Sarawak even after 22 July 1963. At that time, Sarawak was still a British territory and did not legally qualify for independence under British law—specifically, through an act of the Westminster Parliament.

Legally, true independence for Sarawak would have required a formal declaration of independence issued by the British, similar to how Malaya was granted independence through an official act of the British Parliament in 1957. Likewise, when Singapore left Malaysia in 1965, it did so through an act passed by the Federal Government of Malaya, granting it formal independence. However, Sarawak has never received such a declaration and therefore, at most, only enjoys limited self-governance. This also explains why the Sarawak government officially refers to 22 July as “Sarawak Day” instead of “Sarawak Independence Day.”

“Based on historical and legal evidence, Sarawak was never truly independent and has never received international legal recognition as such. Therefore, Sarawak must seek genuine independence by invoking the right to self-determination as granted under United Nations Resolutions 1514 and 1541 passed in 1960.”

Mr. Leslie Ting emphasized that the late Chief Minister of Sarawak, Tan Sri Adenan Satem, declared 22 July as Sarawak Independence Day to highlight a deeper message. Adenan’s true intent was to remind Sarawakians that the struggle for freedom and independence began the day Stephen Kalong Ningkan was appointed Chief Minister of Sarawak. “July 22 is not Sarawak Independence Day,” Leslie stressed, “but Sarawak Day—a day worth celebrating, as it serves as a reminder for all who love Sarawak to continue the fight for Sarawak’s full freedom, independence, and sovereignty until victory is achieved.”

Adenan’s call for “freedom and independence” aligns with the founding ideals of the Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP), which in 1957 was established to oppose British colonialism and pursue political independence for Sarawak through constitutional means. Many Sarawakians applauded SUPP’s 2019 call for the federal government to hold a referendum to allow Sarawakians to vote on whether to remain in or exit Malaysia. However, SUPP has yet to table a referendum bill in the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly. Furthermore, Sarawak Premier Abang Johari has repeatedly stated that Sarawak only seeks to reclaim autonomy and will never leave Malaysia—casting doubt on SUPP’s credibility and sincerity regarding the referendum issue, suggesting a contradiction between their words and actions.

“Regrettably, ever since SUPP called for a Sarawak exit referendum, there has been complete silence,” said Leslie. He also reminded SUPP not to forget that the federal government still owes Sarawak ownership over its natural resources, broader sovereign rights (in education, healthcare, taxation), and the restoration of one-third of parliamentary seats.

“I urge SUPP to immediately clarify its position and clearly inform Sarawakians whether it still supports the ‘Exit Malaysia Referendum’—to let the people vote on whether to remain in or leave Malaysia.” He further stated that SUPP has a duty to be honest and transparent with the people and should not exploit the referendum issue as a political tool only during elections to gain votes.

Leslie Ting Siong Ngiap
Chairman
Parti Bumi Kenyalang (Miri Division)

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