Sarawak flag now known as Ibu Pertiwi

 

The new name of the Sarawak flag means “motherland”, said Sarawak premier Abang Johari Openg. (Facebook pic)

KUCHING: The state flag of Sarawak will now be known as Ibu Pertiwi, which means “motherland” in Bahasa Melayu.

Sarawak premier Abang Johari Openg announced the name tonight at the state-level New Year’s Eve celebration at the Kuching Waterfront.

Abang Johari said the Sarawak flag did not have a distinct name like Malaysia’s Jalur Gemilang before this.“Ibu Pertiwi signifies the sovereignty of Sarawak; the red, black and yellow colours (of the flag) also represents the greatness of the state.

“All Sarawakians must be determined to work hard to defend the motherland and take this state to greater heights together,” he said.

The New Year’s Eve celebration also involved the official launch of the 99-metre Sarawak flagpole, the highest in Southeast Asia. - FMT