BINTULU: “Rakyat hidup mesra dan bahagia, damai muhibbah sentiasa; Bersatu, Berusaha, Berbakti, Untuk Sarawak kucintai.”
The reverberation of this line from the Sarawak State Anthem, Ibu Pertiwiku, through the Bintulu Old Airport Site last night (July 22), perfectly captured the 2024 Sarawak Day celebration that took place here.
Translated, the anthem’s lyrics mean: “Citizens live happily and in harmony, peaceful, always cooperative (with each other), united, striving, serving, for my beloved Sarawak.”
This spirit was evident during the celebration, with a sea of yellow, red, and black as citizens of all races enthusiastically waving the Sarawak Flag, celebrating Sarawak’s 61st anniversary and its unprecedented advancement amidst political harmony.
The celebration, which began at around 8.15 pm, was graced by Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and his wife, Toh Puan Fauziah Mohd Sanusi.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and his wife, Puan Sri Datuk Amar Juma’ani Tuanku Bujang, were also present, along with the over10,000 revelers.
Minister of Food Industry, Commodity, and Regional Development Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom in his opening address reflected on Sarawak’s historical journey.
“Looking back on the past 157 years since the establishment of the Sarawak Legislative Council on Sept 8, 1867, under the rule of the White Rajah, making it the oldest legislative institution in Malaysia, Sarawak has undergone many changes and developments.
“Bintulu, once a small fishing village with just 5,000 residents, now has over 200,000 people. Thanks to the Premier’s vision, it is fitting that we hold Sarawak Day celebrations here, given the significant development in Bintulu as a hub for renewable energy and green energy,” he said.
Dr Rundi, who is also the minister responsible for the Sarawak Day 2024 celebration, expressed hope that Bintulu residents would continue to enhance their income through various means such as employment or agriculture to cope with these challenges.
The event earlier also featured a musical pantomime performance highlighting Sarawak’s participation as a partner in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) in the formation of Malaysia.
Later, it showcased top Malaysian entertainers, including Sarawak-born stars Dayang Nurfaizah and Bob Yusuf, alongside Melissa Francis, Daus Eli, Roxy Ixzy, Chien Ng, Suleiman Usop, and Jackson Michael.
The celebration ended with a spectacular fireworks display over Bintulu.
Among those present were Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof; Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan and Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian; State Legislative Assembly Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar; and Sarawak Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki.
