KUCHING: Sarawakians are invited to observe the 85th birthday celebration of the Head of State (TYT) Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud virtually; the event will be held for three consecutive days (from Oct 8 to Oct 10).
Utilities Minister Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom said the celebration was to honour Taib for his devotion towards the state ever since he was a chief minister.
“He has served the state for a long time and we have seen how developed the state is now. Hence, I invite the Sarawakians to celebrate this celebration together which will be broadcast live via TVS and Facebook to show our appreciation for his efforts towards the development in Sarawak,” he added.
Rundi said this during a press conference on the TYT’s Birthday Celebration Event at Bilik Mesyuarat Utama, Tingkat 2, Wisma Bapa Malaysia, Petra Jaya yesterday (Sept 27).
He added all the events throughout the celebration would follow the standard operating procedures (SOPs) set by the State Disaster Management Committee (SDMC), especially in relation to the presence of guests.
“The celebration will begin with a thanksgiving prayer on October 8 at the Jamek Mosque, Petra Jaya.
“In the meantime, non-Muslims will hold their own ceremony organised by the Other Religious Affairs Unit (Unifor) to pray for the well-being and good health for TYT,” he said.
Rundi, who is the minister in charge of the celebration, said that on Oct 9, three events would take place, namely, the official ceremony at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) parade ground; the Investiture Ceremony of Sarawak State Orders at the Lapau Dun Hall; and the State Dinner at the Borneo Kuching Convention Centre (BCCK).
Meanwhile, on Oct 10, a High Tea Reception will be held at the DUN Dining Hall followed by a side event in the evening dubbed “Konsert Irama dan Lagu” organised by the Sarawak Media Group.
“The event will feature one of Malaysia’s top singers, Dayang Nurfaizah, and showcase P. Ramlee’s songs and other popular songs.
“Nonetheless, the events will comply with the SOPs set and only 300 guests are allowed to attend,” he said.
He added that the celebration would also be attended by Taib’s wife, Toh Puan Raghad Kurdi Taib; Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg and his wife Datuk Amar Juma’ani Tun Tuanku Bujang.
