KUCHING: The official celebration of the Governor of Sarawak’s 78th birthday commenced with a thanksgiving ceremony held at the Jamek Mosque, Thursday night (Oct 10).
Around 1,000 people attended the event, including Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, who chaired the event’s organising committee.
The ceremony began with the Maghrib prayer, led by Sarawak’s Grand Imam, Sahibul Fadilah Datuk Mustapha Kamal Ahmad Fauzi, followed by a group recitation of Surah Yassin.
Marhaban Zikir was then performed, led by Morshidi Udin alongside the Kuching Zikir Group, followed by a special Thanksgiving Prayer and the congregational Isya’ prayer.
The event concluded with a dinner for the honoured guests and attendees, providing an opportunity for everyone to connect and exchange greetings.
Among the notable guests were Deputy Minister for Utilities and Telecommunications, Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi; and Datuk Abang Abdul Wahap Abang Julai, chief executive officer of the Sarawak State Mosque Welfare Trust Board.
They were joined by the president of the Sarawak Islamic Council, Datu Misnu Taha; and Sarawak Mufti, Datu Kipli Yasin, alongside Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, chief secretary to the government, and Datuk Seri Shamsul Azri Bakar, federal secretary of Sarawak.
Kuching was selected as the host city for this year’s official birthday celebrations, with the thanksgiving ceremony being a central part of the festivities.
The event underscored the deep community spirit and unity that continue to define Sarawak.
