KUCHING (July 20): Sarawakians need to be aware about the state’s current flag, the Ibu Pertiwi, said Kuching South Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng.

“The current flag of Sarawak is Ibu Pertiwi — there should be no argument about it. We should use the flag that represents us today.

“We should focus more on building Sarawak, rather than getting caught up in minor, petty issues which are unproductive,” he said at a Sarawak flag distribution event organised by the Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) Kuching branch Youth section at Jalan Padungan here today.

Wee said this in response to a question regarding the recent issue of flying the Sarawak colonial flag on Sarawak Day, where he expressed his agreement with Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

In a recent news report, Abdul Karim had likened the flying of the Sarawak colonial flag for Sarawak Day celebration as an act of ignorance about the state’s history.

“It is not an offence to fly the old Sarawak crown flag, but it only reflects the ignorance of some who probably might need to read back the history book,” he was quoted as saying.

Wee said displaying the old Sarawak flag is a serious issue that needs addressing, as it could negatively impact perceptions of Sarawak.

“It will not only reflect on our mentality but when tourists see two different flags, who will explain this?

“To move forward, we must have a bigger vision for Sarawak. Focusing on petty issues makes us appear idle. With 2030 just six years away, we must avoid trivial disputes to maintain our credibility,” he added.

Meanwhile, during the event, some 1,000 small Sarawak flags were distributed to road users passing by the Padungan White Cat Statue.