By Jaythaleela K
MIRI, Dec 8: Rain did not dampen the spirit of some 45,000 participants of the Miri City Christmas Parade who braved the weather to celebrate the occasion.
Anticipating a potential evening shower amid the monsoon season that hit the state, participants turned up with their raincoats and umbrellas to take part in the 5km procession, which kicked off at 7pm at the Miri City Fan.
Members from 15 churches across the city took part in the 11th edition of the Christmas parade, themed “Heaven’s gift of Love”.
Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian, representing Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, was given the honorary to flag-off the participant
Rain came pouring barely five minutes into the parade but it did not deter participants who carried on with the procession in full spirit and celebratory mood.
Miri MP Dr Michael Teo, senator Alan Ling and State Legislative Assembly (DUN) deputy speaker Gerawat Gala were among those present at the parade, which included city mayor Adam Yii and several state elected representatives such as Dennis Ngau (Telang Usan), Dr Ting Tiong Choon (Pujut) and Datuk Sebastian Ting (Piasau).
At the event, VIPs from both sides of the political divide pledged funds totaling RM140,000 to the event organising committee. — DayakDaily
