KUCHING: Sarawak’s very own television station TVSarawak will televcast ‘live’ part of Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud’s 84th birthday celebration on its first day of broadcast on Oct 10.
Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian said that the celebration will be hosted by Kuching City from Oct 9 to 11.
He said that five segments of the celebration would be carried out in the new norm, starting with a thanksgiving prayer on Oct 9 at Masjid India Bandar Kuching.
“Similar prayers are also to be carried out by the other religious institutions statewide to mark the occasion, to be coordinated by the Unit for Other Religions (Unifor),” he said at a press conference at Wisma Bapa Malaysia here today.
Joining the Head of State and his wife Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Ragad Kurdi Taib at the mosque in the evening would be Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg and his wife Datuk Amar Juma’ani Tun Tuanku Bujang, cabinet ministers and community leaders.
On the morning of Oct 10, Taib will inspect a guard of honour at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) premises.
“For this year, there will be no parade and march past by the various contingents due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic,” said Dr Sim.
He said the ceremonial event that morning would commence as soon as Taib and his wife arrived at the DUN, accompanied by a 17-gun salute.
“The event will end with ethnic creative and modern dance performances – a reflection that this is a people’s celebration to commemorate the Head of State’s birthday,” he said, adding that a special fly-past would also be performed by helicopters from the army and other enforcement agencies.
Later, Taib will grace an investiture ceremony at the DUN, where he will present state awards and medals to recipients.
In the evening, Taib, Abang Johari, and their respective spouses will attend a State Dinner at the DUN Banquet Hall together with other cabinet ministers and state dignitaries.
The dinner programme will see performances by popular singers, tap dance, cake-cutting, Nopeng Suk, and special video presentations including a tribute to the Head of State and birthday greetings and wishes from the people.
Dr Sim said TVSarawak would be officially launched on the night of Oct 11 – describing this as a significant moment as Sarawak is the only state to have its own television station.
“TVSarawak can be accessed on Astro, Channel 122,” he added.
He urged all government, public sector, and private buildings to light up their respective premises during the three-day celebration – a symbol of Sarawak unity and a Sarawakian celebration.
