By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Oct 11: The official celebration of the 79th birthday of the Head of State (TYT) Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar was marked in grand style today, as Padang Merdeka came alive with vibrant colours, music and patriotic spirit during a parade featuring 110 contingents and witnessed by an estimated 10,000 spectators.
Tun Wan Junaidi, accompanied by his wife Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi, took the royal salute as participants from government departments, enforcement agencies, statutory bodies, schools, higher learning institutions and community organisations marched past in full ceremonial display.
The parade, which began under clear morning skies, showcased the discipline, unity and harmony of Sarawak’s multi-ethnic society, reflecting the strong sense of cooperation that has long been the foundation of the State’s progress and prosperity.
Also present were Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and daughter Dayang Nurjihan; Deputy Prime Minister Dato Sri Fadillah Yusof and wife Datin Sri Ruziah Mohd Tahir; Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and wife Dato Doreen Mayang; Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan and wife Dato Dayang Morliah Awang Daud; Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian and wife Dato Enn Ong; Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah and wife Datin Sri Zuraini Abdul Jabbar; and other dignitaries.
Adding to the festive atmosphere were performances by uniformed bodies, school bands and cultural troupes, which drew cheers and applause from the crowd that filled the historic field and surrounding streets.
The parade not only celebrated the TYT’s birthday but also served as a tribute to his leadership, dedication and decades of service to Sarawak and the nation.
Tun Wan Junaidi, who turned 79 this year, has been widely recognised for his lifelong contributions—from his early days serving in the security forces to his steadfast leadership in defending Sarawak’s rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
As part of the celebration, awards were presented to contingents that impressed judges with their discipline, creativity and presentation across several categories.
In the Enforcement Category, the Sarawak Land and Survey Department emerged champion, taking home a trophy and RM5,000, followed by the Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) in second place with RM3,000 and the Bintulu Development Authority (BDA) in third place with RM2,000.
For the Statutory Bodies, GLCs and Higher Learning Institutions Category, Bintulu Port Holdings Berhad clinched the top spot, with SEDC Sarawak and Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (FAMA) taking second and third places.
In the Associations Category, the Federation of Orang Ulu Associations Malaysia (FORUM) was named champion, while Lembaga Khairat Yayasan Melayu Budaya Sarawak (LKYMBS) and Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA) finished second and third respectively.
For the Departments Category, the Public Works Department (JKR) claimed first place, followed by the Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB) and the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID).
In the Divisions Category, Sibu Division Administration took top honours, ahead of Bintulu Division Administration and Kapit Division Administration.
Meanwhile, the Ministries Category saw the Ministry of Utility and Telecommunication (MUDeNR) emerge as overall winner, with the Ministry of Transport (MOTS) and Ministry of International Trade, Industry and Investment (MIPD) in second and third places respectively.
The Creative Special Category went to Lembaga Khairat Yayasan Melayu Budaya Sarawak (LKYMBS) for their vibrant and innovative presentation, followed by Sri Aman Division Administration and FAMA.
Each winning contingent received a trophy and cash prize ranging from RM2,000 to RM5,000 in recognition of their outstanding participation and spirit. – DayakDaily
