KUCHING: Sarawakians should never consider themselves as ‘second-class citizens’ as the state is an equal partner in the federation of Malaysia, said former state education director Datu Dr Adi Badiozaman Tuah.

“We have equal rights to determine the nation’s direction and we must be involved directly in the planning of our country’s future,” he said when he shared his views in a history forum on the ‘Formation of Malaysia from Sarawak’s perspective’ at the State’s Library yesterday.

He said as Malaysians, the people of Sarawak could not just sit back and wait for others to take the first step.

On the other hand, Sarawakians must never feel “small” or be easily intimidated by remarks that “…we live on trees”, he added.

To the applause of many, Adi reminded that the forefathers of Sarawak had deliberated in length on how important forming Malaysia was and had high hopes that Malaysia promised so much for its people especially where development was concerned.

Adi said Sarawakians should strive for their place in the decision-making level so that the state and its people would not be left behind in any of the country’s policy.

According to him, Sarawak’s cultural diversity must also be looked at as an asset to Malaysia and not a liability as it strengthens the country’s socio-cultural aspects.

In addition, he said Sarawak’s economic resources too had helped other Malaysians in other states not as rich as Sarawak.

“We must at all times work hard together to ensure that the dream of Sarawakians before 1963 will not remain as just a dream,” he added.