By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Sept 28: Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud and his wife, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Raghad Kurdi Taib, made their first public appearance at Sarawak’s grand Maulidur Rasul celebration and procession at Padang Merdeka this morning.
This marks Taib’s return to official duties after being absent since June of this year. He had been recuperating in Istanbul, Turkey, following a medical procedure prior to his return home to Kuching on Sept 16.
Taib and Raghad received a warm welcome from Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah upon their arrival.
Meanwhile, the spirit of unity was felt strongly at Padang Merdeka as 10,991 participants from 248 contingents gathered for the parade.
Despite the rain and drizzle, participants assembled as early as 6am. The procession covered village areas spanning a distance of 4km and the city of Kuching (3.7km).
This year’s celebration, themed ‘Sarawak Makmur Ummah Sejahtera’, was held in conjunction with the 60th Anniversary of Sarawak’s Independence. — DayakDaily
