SIBU – SUPP Youth Central Chairman Cr Kevin Lau Kor Jie has reaffirmed the organisation’s stance on safeguarding Sarawak’s historical narrative following his attendance at the Sibu Central Police Station this morning.
Arriving at approximately 9.45am alongside YB Senator Robert Lau Hui Yew, Lau was present to provide a further statement to the investigating officer.
The session was part of an ongoing inquiry into a police report lodged against a Facebook page known as “Berita 757” over a video titled “Sarawak Buta Sejarah”, released on 1 March 2026.
Lau explained that his presence was to assist the authorities by offering clarification and supporting the investigation.
He emphasised that the phrase “Sarawak Buta Sejarah” was offensive, describing it as condescending and disrespectful to Sarawakians.
“It implies that our people are ignorant of our own history, which is both inaccurate and unacceptable,” he said.
The SUPP Youth leader stressed that the group’s objective was to correct misleading and distorted historical narratives.
He noted that historical accuracy should not be treated as a matter of opinion, and any attempt to misrepresent Sarawak’s past must be addressed responsibly.
Providing context, Lau highlighted Sarawak’s unique political and cultural evolution. Under the Brooke administration, Sarawak functioned as an independent kingdom with its own governance system, judiciary, currency, and armed forces.
The state also had its own flag and anthem and conducted foreign relations. Recognition came from the United States in 1850 and Britain in 1863.
Sarawak’s governance structure included the Council Negri, which brought together representatives of local communities and appointed officials.
In 1941, Charles Vyner Brooke introduced a written constitution, embedding the Nine Cardinal Principles. These principles were later referenced in the Cobbold Commission Report of 1962.
Following Japan’s surrender in 1945, Sarawak was ceded to the United Kingdom in 1946 through a Council Negri decision, becoming a British Crown Colony.
Importantly, the Nine Cardinal Principles continued to be upheld within the Sarawak Constitution during this period.
Lau also referred to Sarawak’s continental shelf, citing the Sarawak (Alteration of Boundaries) Order in Council 1954 issued by the United Kingdom.
This was later complemented by international legal frameworks, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea in 1958 and 1982.
He underlined that Sarawak’s history reflects a distinctive trajectory and must be presented accurately and respectfully.
“As Sarawakians, we have a responsibility to ensure that historical facts are preserved and properly understood, not only within Sarawak but across Malaysia,” Lau stated.
SUPP Youth reaffirmed its commitment to cooperating fully with the authorities and to promoting respectful, fact-based discourse on matters concerning Sarawak’s history and identity.
