Why I am Sarawakian first, Malaysian second

COMMENT | I realised that I’ve been fiercely Sarawakian in some of my articles here and I make no apology for it. Some readers have even called me “anti-Malaya”, with one even stating that I should be charged for treason.

I’m flabbergasted why some could think that way as their perceptions couldn’t be further from the truth. Being pro-Sarawak does not make me anti-Malaysia. Yes, I’ve often declared that I’m a patriotic Sarawakian and I’m baffled how others construe that as being anti-Malaya.

If this article makes some feel that I’m drifting more into my perceived anti-Malaya stand, so be it. I cannot control what others think and everyone is entitled to his or her opinion. I cherish freedom of speech too.

When I was born in 1956, there was no Malaysia. I was born a citizen of Sarawak, a crown colony of Britain. My birth certificate has a stamp bearing the British crown featuring Queen Elizabeth II. I was not born a Malaysian.

Therefore, Kuching is my place of birth and Sarawak is my homeland and always will be. I owe every allegiance to my place of birth and my homeland. Whatever entity I was forced to be part of later, without my knowledge or consent, takes the second precedence. That is my stand...