KUCHING: The 78th Birthday Celebration of the Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, is set to take place with grandeur, featuring seven key events from October 10 to 13.
Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah announced that the official four-day celebration will be held here.
He stated that the events will include thanksgiving ceremonies, a special sermon, interfaith thanksgiving, a ceremonial parade and grand assembly, the conferral of state honours, a state banquet, and a tea reception.
“The Sarawak Arts Council (MSS), as the leading agency, has prepared various performances, including an opening act by 50 students performing the song ‘Dirgahayu’ by Faizal Tahir and Dayang Nurfaizah.
“There will also be a medley performance by Dayang Nurfaizah and Bob Yusof, featuring songs from the 1960s.
“Additionally, a cultural performance called the ‘Rampaian Etnik Kreatif’, involving 100 participants representing six ethnic groups from across Sarawak, will also be showcased,” he said.
Abdul Karim, who is also the Minister in Charge of the Celebration said this during a press conference after chairing the 78th Birthday Celebration of the Head of State 2024 Implementation Committee Meeting at Waterfront Hotel here today.
He added that all the events will be meticulously organised by the Protocol, Ceremonies, and Event Management Unit of Sarawak (UPPANS), which serves as the main organiser.
“The celebration will begin with a thanksgiving ceremony at the Jamek Mosque on Oct 10 at 6 pm, and followed by a special sermon during Friday prayers on Oct 11, held simultaneously at mosques across Sarawak.
“Meanwhile, the interfaith thanksgiving ceremony will take place at the Riverside Majestic Hotel on Oct 11 at 8 pm, with 750 invited guests attending.
“The ceremonial parade and grand assembly will be held on Oct 12, starting at 8 am, featuring state contingents. The public is therefore welcome to witness this event at Padang Merdeka,” he said.
Regarding the Conferral of State Honours, Abdul Karim said it will be held on Oct 12 at the Astana Negeri Sarawak on Oct 12.
“Following this, a state banquet will take place on the same day at the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN) building at 8 pm.
The celebration will conclude with a tea reception at Riverside Majestic Hotel Oct 13 at 10 am,” he added.
He also said Premier Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg, along with his wife, Puan Sri Datuk Amar Juma’ani Tun Tuanku Bujang will officiate at the events mentioned and members of the state cabinet, and other distinguished guests are also invited.
The celebration will also be broadcast live on TVS, Astro channel 122, MyTV, and streamed on the Facebook page of the Sarawak Public Communications Unit (UKAS) and UKAS Channel on YouTube.
This marks the first official birthday celebration for Tun Wan Junaidi, following his appointment as the Head of State, which commenced on January 26, 2024, and runs until January 26, 2028, for a four-year term.
