By Brad Rantayy
MIRI, Sept 17: The State government will hold the State-level birthday celebration of Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud in Miri from Oct 7 to 9.
According to organising committee chairman Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin, the event will start with a thanksgiving prayer at Masjid At-Taqwa Miri at 5.30pm on Oct 7.
The Sarawak Governor and his wife, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Raghad Kurdi Taib, are expected to arrive at about 6.30pm.
They will be joined by the Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and his wife Datin Patinggi Jumaa’ni Tuanku Bujang, State Cabinet ministers, community leaders, and approximately 1,200 guests.
Similar prayer sessions by other religious institutions will also be carried out at the Eastwood Valley Golf and Country Club.
The programme’s highlight is the grand parade, which will be held on Oct 8 at Miri Stadium with a total of 3,440 participants from 86 contingents comprising uniformed bodies, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), private sectors, non-uniformed bodies, and students.
“The parade will kick off at 8am, and the public is welcome to attend the event,” said Lee today after chairing a meeting on the event’s preparations.
Lee, also Transport Minister, said that at 11am, Taib is scheduled to attend an investiture of awards ceremony at Meritz Hotel.
Later that evening, at 8pm, Taib will attend a State banquet at Pullman Miri Waterfront.
On the following day (Oct 9), Taib and his wife will attend a high tea reception at Eastwood Valley Golf and Country Club Miri and present contributions to 150 underprivileged persons. — DayakDaily
