KUCHING, June 4: Traditional celebrations for the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s birthday is not possible this year so the Sarawak government has planned a special celebration by going virtual during these exceptional times.
Monday (June 8) has been declared a public holiday in conjunction with the official birthday of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah.
Minister in the Chief Minister’s Department (Integrity and Ombudsman) Datuk Talib Zulpilip explained that the celebration will be very different and unique as for the first time, people will witness the entire celebration programme digitally from the comfort of their own homes.
“Since Covid-19 pandemic and Movement Control Order (MCO), our lives have changed. As we face the challenges, we have to adjust to the new normal.
“Public gatherings and social activities in groups won’t be happening anytime soon, or at least until next year as advised by the Ministry of Health (MOH),” he told a press conference on the virtual programme to be aired on TV1 for the state-level celebration of Agong’s birthday today.
However, Talib emphasised that adapting to the new normal should not be an excuse to not implement what has been properly planned in work or life.
“We should take up the challenge by making changes and improvements suitable in line with the new normal,” he added.
On the virtual Agong’s birthday celebration, he revealed that programmes will be produced and created using various technologies such as green screen, LEDs, hologrammes and so on.
The state-level virtual celebration programme will comprise six segments which will be broadcast live on TV1 at 10pm on June 8 (Monday).
The ‘Nopeng Sarawak’ performance will kick off the celebration followed by a special video entitled ‘Monarchy’ which will take viewers to the past to see the progress of the Malay Sultanate until the present Constitutional Monarchy System.
The other segments include beautiful paintings of the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong and Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah; ‘The Letter to Your Majesty’ which is a heartfelt snippet of Sarawakian children expressing their love for the King; a new song titled ‘Tuanku Teristimewa’ which is created and dedicated to the King as a gift from people of Sarawak; and debut of ‘Princess Kenyalang’ stage dance performance.
Talib emphasised that all these segments are an expression of love from all Sarawakians for the King and Queen.
“May His Majesty accept this small gift from us in Sarawak as a token of our love for His Majesty,” he added.—DayakDaily
