By Christopher Lidom
KUCHING, March 24: Various programmes and events have been lined up from May to August to commemorate the 60th Anniversary of Sarawak’s Independence, says Dato Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
According to Abdul Karim, who is Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts, themed with ‘Sarawak Maju Makmur’, the main event are the ‘Kembara Sarawak Merdeka’ convoy and a digital exhibition titled ‘Majlis Kesyukuruan Perdana’.
He said this also includes a presentation of commemorative medals, state banquet, public concerts, fireworks display, including decorated boat parades, as well as street parades.
“For the ‘Kembara Sarawak Merdeka’ convoy which will be held on May 28 until July 22 from Limbang to Kuching, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg is also expected to join it by bike from Miri to Bintulu on June 10,” he told a press conference after officiating at the launching ceremony for the 60th anniversary of Sarawak’s Independence logo, theme and website at Wisma Bapa Malaysia here today.
Abdul Karim, who is also the minister-in-charge of the celebration, said among other highlights are the presentation of commemorative medals namely ‘Pingat Peringatan Terbilang Jubli Intan (P.P.T.J.I.)’, ‘Pingat Peringatan Cemerlang Jubli Intan (P.P.C.J.I) (Gold)’, ‘Pingat Peringatan Bakti Jubli Intan (P.P.B.J.I) (Silver)’ and ‘Pingat Peringatan Terpuji Jubli Intan (P.P.T.J.I) (Bronze)’.
He also said apart from providing an opportunity for Sarawakians to experience the excitement and understand the meaning behind the celebration, it would also convey the government’s initiatives through various programmes and activities that will be organised.
“Sarawak Day is one of the main milestone events of the Sarawak government which is held on July 22 every year starting in 2016 until today, and July 22 was declared a public holiday in Sarawak by the late Pehin Sri Adenan Satem on April 23, 2016,” he said.
On the same note, Abdul Karim said the celebration, which will be held at the end of May, will not affect the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) Sitting that is expected to commence in the middle of May.
“By the middle of May, we are expected to have our DUN sitting, and once that is finished, we will continue with these programmes,” he explained.
He also welcomes the participation from private sector in the 60th Anniversary of Sarawak’s Independence celebration.
For more information on the 60th Anniversary of Sarawak’s Independence celebration, visit http://sarawak.gov.my/60thnsarawakmerdeka. — DayakDaily
