Sarawak, Malaysia & 52.

~Dum Spiro Spero. While I breathe, I hope. Haraplah Selagi Bernafas. Agi Idup Agi Ngelaban. 氣息仍存,希望猶在 Arap Seagei Tudip~

A throwback to more than a year ago, spotted on a pillar of a shophouse at Carpenter Street, Kuching, Sarawak.

From the moment I have a clear grasp in politic and governance, I have always believed Sarawak (and all other states for that matter) deserved more power to handle own affairs and development. Personally am looking with interest at the recent development about Sarawak State Government under CM Adenan's negotiation with the federal government regarding further devolution of powers from the federal government to the state government. The announcement so far by PM Najib seems to suggest that state directors of federal agencies in Sarawak are granted autonomous decision making power (i.e. not requiring federal counterparts at Putrajaya's approval before proceeding) for federal development projects within the state of Sarawak which while on the surface seems like a welcoming but development but seems to confirm my nagging concern that the devolution settlement will never go in-depth enough without any amendment to the Ninth Schedule of Federal Constitution that details the division of power, and that the devolution of power is on an ad-hoc basis still subject to federal government's behest. Am still hoping both state government and the federal counterpart have enough courage and political will to close the power divide in spirit of cooperation but nonetheless, these measures should be consider a significant stepping stone for all as any steps that leads toward further autonomy is a step we must embark on, to prove that the state are perfectly capable of managing own affairs without constant dictat from Putrajaya. Maximum fiscal autonomy, petroleum royalty settlement, public security, public transport and infrastructure planning are just some of the thing on my Malaysia Day wishlist.

While I will always pine for the day where Sarawakians are given the chance once more to decide our homeland's destiny and chart our nation's future on our own, in the mean time we must undertake meaningful, constructive effort to rekindle the spirit of good will and optimism among all states and regions within the federation, recognizing each components and respective communities as distinct societies if we ever want to build a viable and sensible federation. The need to recapture the spirit of optimism and hope in more dire than ever in trying and uncertain times right now.

May these words permanently etched within all Sarawakians' pysche, to yearn for better, brighter future, a lasting desire to chart own's destiny, to rise above and beyond in trying times.To hope.

For now however, for better and for worse, Selamat Menyambut Hari Malaysia kepada semua warga Sarawak, Sabah and Malaya, di mana jua anda berada.