KUCHING: Sarawak’s state flag has been named Ibu Pertiwi, which means “Motherland”, says Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

He said while the Malaysian flag was known as Jalur Gemilang, the state flag had no name until now.

“Ibu Pertiwi symbolises Sarawak’s sovereignty, while its red, black and yellow colours reflect the state’s renown and unity.

“All Sarawakians must be determined to protect our motherland and develop the state to become more advanced,” he said at the new year’s countdown celebration at Kuching Waterfront on Sunday night.

During the event, Abang Johari launched the country’s tallest flagpole, located next to the Sarawak Legislative Assembly opposite the Waterfront.

He said the square where the 99m-tall structure stands was named Dataran Ibu Pertiwi.

Abang Johari also revealed that three companies contributed to the cost of the flagpole, namely Petroleum Sarawak Bhd (Petros), PETRONAS and Shell.

“The flagpole attracted a lot of talk at first, but it will become an icon for us.

“It does not involve government funds. Three oil companies contributed to the flagpole under their corporate social responsibility.