Sarawak celebrates 62 years of self-governance, unity and progress

KUCHING, 21 July 2025: 22 July, also known as Sarawak Day, is an important date in the state’s calendar, as it was the day Sarawak achieved self-governance back in 1963. Despite it being 62 years ago, Sarawak Day is only 11 years old, as it was only gazetted as a state public holiday back in 2016.

In February 2016, the late Chief Minister of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Adenan Satem submitted a proposal to the federal government, for July 22 to be officially declared a public holiday for the state. In just a couple of months, on April 23, 2016 at the Sejiwa Senada programme in Metrocity Matang, he officially declared July 22 as a public holiday, in honour of past leaders who have struggled for Sarawak’s independence. 

Back in 1963, July 22 was the day Tan Sri Stephen Kalong Ningkan was appointed the first Chief Minister of Sarawak, along with the first ministerial Cabinet of Sarawak, which included Datuk Amar James Wong Kim Ming as Deputy Chief Minister, Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud as Minister of Communication and Works, Dunstan Endawie Enchana as Minister of Local Government, Awang Hipni Pengiran Anu as State Minister and Teo Kui Seng as Natural Resources Minister. Meanwhile, Tun Abang Openg Abang Sapiee, who is the father of the current Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg, was appointed the state’s first Yang di-Pertua Negeri.

While July 22 was the day Sarawak acquired self-governance, it was only the beginning of a process towards independence, which was achieved briefly upon the departure of the last British Governor, Alexander Waddell, who left the Astana on a white sampan across the Sarawak River on September 15, 1963. The next day, Sarawak, along with the Federation of Malaya, Singapore and North Borneo (Sabah) formed the new Federation of Malaysia. 

Since 2016, Sarawak Day celebrations have been a grand affair, and is held in different cities each year. Typically celebrated from July 20 to 22, the celebrations usually include a large-scale parade, thanksgiving ceremonies at various places of worship, talent shows, carnivals and bazaars and more, reflecting the unity, diversity and pride of Sarawakians, while highlighting local talents and entrepreneurs. 

Over recent years, Sarawak has shown remarkable economic growth, most notably through its state revenue, which has surged from RM5.6 billion in 2017 to RM14.187 billion in 2024. Back in 2022, Sarawak was categorised as a high-income state by the World Bank, further strengthening its economy. 

As a strong proponent of sustainable development and actions against climate change, Sarawak has also emerged as a regional leader in the usage of hydrogen as an emission-free fuel, spearheading the charge forward with initiatives like hydrogen buses and aims of producing and exporting green hydrogen by 2030, which aligns with the recently launched Sarawak Hydrogen Economy Roadmap. 

The state-level Sarawak Day celebrations is taking place in Miri this year, under the theme ‘Sarawak Maju Makmur’, or ‘A Progressive and Prosperous Sarawak’, which reflects on the state’s 62 years of physical and economic growth.

Happy Sarawak Day!