By Christopher Lidom
KUCHING, Oct 10: His Excellency Yang Di-Pertua Negeri Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud this morning inspected the Guard of Honor (KKU) in conjunction with his 84th birthday celebration held at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Square, in Petra Jaya.
The KKU comprises 103 men of different ranks and three officers from the 13th Battalion of the Royal Malay Regiment led by Mejar Mohd Safiq Jamaluddin, was accompanied by a band from a combination of the Malaysia 1st Infantry Division.
Among the highlights of the event were the symbolic ceremony of His Excellency celebration as well as the cultural dance performance of Sarawak.
Earlier on, His Excellency Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib and Toh Puan Rahgad Kurdi Taib arrival at the Square were welcomed by the Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg, together with Minister for Local Government and Housing Sarawak Dato Sri Prof Dr Sim Kui Hian and his wife Datin Sri Enn Ong Siok Ean, State Secretary Datuk Amar Jaul Samion as well as the Army Eastern Field Command commander Lt-Gen Datuk Zakaria Yadi and his wife.
To mark His Excellency arrival at the event, a cannon was shot while four helicopters flew pass the Square. The Head of the State later went up to the stage to receive the royal salute.
After that, the State anthem Ibu Pertiwiku was played, followed by the Guard of Honor inspection, and ended with a prayer recital by Sarawak Grand Imam Dato Mustapha Kamal Ahmad Fauzi.
During the event, the Sarawak Cultural Village (SCV) and the Dance Academy also showcased their cultural dance performance with the theme “Wonderful Sarawak, together with A Celebration”.
Also present were Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah, Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri James Jemut Masing, Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, DUN speaker Datuk Amar Mohd. Asfia Awang Nasar, and other distinguished guest. –DayakDaily.
