KUCHING: The Padang Merdeka today was a scene of vibrant celebrations as Sarawak observed the 78th birthday celebration of its Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar.
The grand parade and assembly held in conjunction with Wan Junaidi’s official birthday, started as early as 8am.
It commenced with Wan Junaidi inspecting the main guard of honour and followed by the firing of 17 cannon shots.
Later, accompanied by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, Wan Junaidi toured the field in a special military jeep to greet the 78 contingents which was represented by ministries, government departments, uniformed bodies, corporations, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and associations.
The event was preceded with an opening prayer, followed by a speech from Abang Johari, who also paid tribute to the Head of State.
It then continued with a birthday cake-cutting for Wan Junaidi, along with the screening of the Aspirasi Rakyat video, and special performances by popular artists and students.
Among the highlights were a performance by 50 students singing Dirgahayu, and a medley of 1960s hits by singers Dayang Nurfaizah and Bob Yusof.
In addition, 100 performers presented a cultural showcase, Rampaian Etnik Kreatif, celebrating the diverse ethnic groups of Sarawak.
Among those present were Wan Junaid’s wife Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi, Abang Johari’s wife Puan Sri Datuk Amar Juma’ani Tun Tuanku Bujang. Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, and Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian.
Also in attendance were Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development and the celebration’s Minister-in-Charge Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Sarawak State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, and respective Sarawak Cabinet Ministers and Deputy Ministers.
This marks the first official birthday celebration for Tun Wan Junaidi since his appointment as Head of State on January 26.
The four-day celebration, running from October 10 to 13, features seven key events across Kuching. These include a thanksgiving prayer, a special sermon, an interfaith thanksgiving
ceremony, the grand parade, the investiture ceremony for state honours, the state banquet, and a tea reception.
The Protocol, Ceremonies, and Event Management Unit of Sarawak (UPPANS) is the main organiser of these events.
