By Brad Rantayy
MIRI, May 8: This year’s regional-level birthday celebration of Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah in Miri will start with a thanksgiving prayer ceremony on June 4 at Masjid At-Taqwa.
According to Sarawak Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin, who is also the minister in charge of the celebration, the prayer ceremony is expected to start around 6pm with an attendance of 1,200.
Meanwhile, on June 5 at around 10am, a tea ceremony will be held at Pullman Hotel Miri, where 550 guests are expected to attend.
During the tea ceremony, the Sarawak Arts Council (MSS) will highlight three segments—the first is an official segment with performances from three local artistes, namely Ricky Anderson representing the Iban ethnic group, Dayana Shini representing the Malay ethnic group, and Fredo Lam Julez representing the Bidayuh ethnic group; as well as another artiste representing the Chinese ethnic group.
“Next, there will be a special performance entitled ‘Budaya Identiti Kita’ (‘Culture is Our Identity’), highlighting the different dances from each race in Sarawak,” Lee said.
The closing performance is called ‘Digarhayu Tuanku’, symbolising Malaysia’s presence under His Majesty’s rule.
Lee disclosed this after chairing a meeting with various government agencies here on preparations for the event at the Miri Resident Office today.
Lee also disclosed that to ensure the smooth running of the celebration, several Sarawak deputy ministers will assist him.
Yang di-Pertuan Negeri Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud and his wife, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Raghad Kurdi Taib, are among the dignitaries expected to attend the celebration.
Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and his wife, Puan Sri Datuk Amar Juma’ani Tun Tuanku Bujang, are also expected to attend.
The celebration will be broadcast live on the Facebook page and YouTube channel of the Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas)
Also present at the press conference were Deputy Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government, Datuk Dr Penguang Manggil; Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring ), Datuk Gerawat Gala; Sarawak Protocol, Ceremonies and Event Management Unit (UPPANS) director, Datu Mohamad Junaidi Mohidin; and heads of department. — DayakDaily
