By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Oct 11: Sarawak’s Head of State (TYT) Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar’s journey of service, from Astana to the people, took centre stage at the State Banquet held last night (Oct 10) in conjunction with the official celebration of his 80th birthday.
The evening featured special video presentations highlighting his time as Sarawak’s TYT, alongside a cake-cutting ceremony, musical performances by local artistes and a fireworks display.
Wan Junaidi and his wife, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi, attended the banquet, which was also graced by Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and his daughter Dayang Norjihan.
Also present were Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Amar Fadillah Yusof and his wife Datin Amar Ruziah Mohd Tahir; Sarawak’s Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan and Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian; Minister of Utility and Telecommunication Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi, who is also the Minister in charge of the celebration; and Sarawak State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki.
A special video presentation titled “Bakti Tanpa Henti” highlighted Wan Junaidi’s journey as Sarawak’s TYT, tracing his role in carrying out his responsibilities at Astana and in the administrative sphere, representing Sarawak on the national stage, and connecting with the people.
The programme continued with a cake-cutting ceremony before guests were shown another video presentation, “Kembara D’Astana ke Lingga”, featuring a collection of memories, experiences and meaningful moments throughout his journey at Astana.
The banquet also featured performances by local artistes Mal Imran, Karen Libau, Chien Ng and Firdaus Materang, accompanied by the Simfoni Orkestra Negeri Sarawak (SONS).
Popular artistes Daus Eli and Haziq Rosebi also made special appearances during the evening.
The programme concluded with a fireworks display at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly Complex Square, watched by Wan Junaidi, his wife and the distinguished guests.
Meanwhile, members of the public were entertained at the Konsert Rakyat held at Padang Merdeka on the same evening as part of the official celebration of Wan Junaidi’s 80th birthday.
The concert featured local artistes Harry Paren, Dayana Shini, Ramles Walter, Raquel Then, Carrie Geres, Yadee Romani and Agura Band, followed by special appearances by Floor 88, Aina Abdul and Datuk Amy Search.
— DayakDaily
