While talk of Sarawak’s independence is a Putrajaya taboo, incumbent Pujut state assemblyperson Fong Pau Teck vows to fight for separation of the state from the Federation.
In a Facebook post, Fong said he is unperturbed by prospects of possible police arrest.
As a founder of Sarawak Independence Alliance, the radical secessionist called independence as the future of the state.
“Sarawak’s independence is not for Malaya's next generation, but for Sarawakians,” he wrote.
When contacted, Fong said he is enthusiastic about promoting a referendum for independence.
He opined that Sarawakians were cheated into joining Malaysia Federation in 1963.
“We signed the Malaysian agreement in 1963 because we were conned. (Sarawak) joined Malaya as a nation. This history has been covered up.
“If you want to arrest me, go ahead,” Fong told Malaysiakini in response to whether he worries about possible arrest for promoting secession.
He challenged the authorities to show the real history of Sarawak for discussion.
“We should not fear (the secession discussion). If you want to suppress us, go ahead. Think who will smile last.
“There must be someone to open the can of worms on Sarawak’s history.”
Marital violence
Describing the Malaysia Agreement as a marriage certificate, he said Sarawak could ask for a divorce due to domestic violence.
“If any domestic violence occurred (in a marriage), you couldn't stop a divorce?”
Fong stressed he was not talking about an armed revolution, which he said would not happen, but he vowed to see the state’s independence decided via a referendum.
“We will fight peacefully, not with violence.”
Fong won Pujut in the 2011 state election under the DAP ticket. However he was later sacked and became an Independent.
He will be defending his seat as an independent candidate. DAP, PKR, PAS and BN are vying for the seat as well.
On April 12, Fong launched his ambassador of Sarawak’s independence in the form of a ‘Super Badger’ in a red Superman cape.
The badger was part of the insignia of the old Kingdom of Sarawak, when the White Rajahs ruled. The kingdom is now a symbol of Sarawak’s independence spirit.
S’wak NGO at odds
Despite Fong’s claimed to represent Sarawak’s independence, NGO Sarawakians for Sarawak (S4S) however does not recognise or endorse his candidacy.
S4S leader charge Peter John Jaban said his organisation is apolitical, hence Fong is not part of the movement.
“We never endorse any candidate, including him (Fong). We are an NGO,” he told Malaysiakini when contacted.
Fong shot back saying Jaban is not committed to the independence movement.
“He is just a puppet of (Sarawak independence). S4S chose Jaban because there is no other candidate.”
Last year, thousands of people marched the streets of Kuching to mark the 52nd anniversary of Sarawak's historical independence, dated July 22.
Inspector-general of police Khalid Abu Bakar at the time warned the rally may provoke Sarawak secessionists and urged it to be cancelled.
However the march proceeded with thousands of rallygoers attending and dispersing peacefully.
While Sarawak Chief Minister Adenan Satem is agreeable with S4S, he rejects their call for a referendum. -Mkini
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