KUCHING (July 11): Organisers of a public assembly to mark Sarawak Independence Day on July 22 have accused the Kuching South City Council (MBKS) of not responding to their application to use the Song Kheng Hai Rugby Field.

Saya Anak Sarawak founder Peter John Jaban claimed this could jeopardise the event’s objective to honour and pay tribute to former chief minister the late Pehin Sri Adenan Satem or Tok Nan.

“We, the organisers of the upcoming public gathering scheduled for 22nd July 2025, express our deep disappointment and concern over the continued silence from the office of the Mayor of Kuching South City Council regarding our official request to utilise Song Kheng Hai Rugby Ground as a venue for this meaningful and significant occasion,” he said in a press statement.

“His (Adenan) courageous and visionary leadership continues to inspire Sarawakians, and this event aims to pay tribute to his contribution to Sarawak’s identity, unity, and autonomy.”

Peter said due to the lack of response from the mayor’s office, the planned gathering could be cancelled as organisers do not have a suitable space to accommodate participants.

“In the past, we did not have any problem securing Song Kheng Hai Rugby Ground for our public gatherings,” he said.

He pledged the organisers are law-abiding citizens, who have shown during past events they would ensure all participants follow the law.

According to him, an application letter to use the facility was submitted on April 7, more than three months in advance, to allow sufficient time for planning and coordination.

He claimed organisers have not received any acknowledgement or response from the mayor’s office.

“Such complete silence is not only unprofessional but disrespectful to the memory of Adenan and the significance of the date for Sarawakians,” he stated.

Peter said organisers also wrote to the Office of the Premier of Sarawak requesting a courtesy call to inform and brief Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg about the public event.

“Regrettably, we have also not received any reply from the Premier’s Office to date.

“Let it be clearly stated that we cannot be expected to organise a large-scale and meaningful public event within less than a month,” he said.

According to him, responsible event planning requires coordination with government agencies, community engagement, logistics, security, and cultural programming.

Peter said such preparations are only possible with timely support from relevant authorities, adding public spaces such as the Song Kheng Hai Rugby Field exist to serve the people.

“We have duly notified the police well in advance and they have no objection to us organising the public gathering. As responsible and law-abiding NGOs, it is our duty to inform the police,” he said.

“Time is running out. Tok Nan’s legacy deserves our respect. Sarawakians deserve better.”

On April 23, 2016, Adenan declared July 22 a public holiday.

He said then that ‘Sarawak Day’ would be for Sarawakians to remember the sacrifices and contributions of past leaders.

Adenan Satem July 22 lead Peter John Jaban Song Kheng Hai rugby field