Waving of Jalur Gemilang, Sarawak, Sabah flags fill the air during Malaysia Day 2023 celebration

Waving of Jalur Gemilang, Sarawak and Sabah flags during Malaysia Day 2023 celebration at Indoor Stadium, Kuching on Sept 16, 2023. Photo credit: Information Department (JaPen)

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By Shikin Louis

KUCHING, Sept 16: The waving of the Jalur Gemilang, Sarawak, and Sabah flags filled the air at the Sarawak Indoor Stadium, where over five thousand Malaysians converged for the Malaysia Day celebration earlier tonight.

With the theme ‘Tekad Perpaduan, Penuhi Harapan’ or ‘Commitment of Unity Fulfils Hope’, the celebration saw many attendees clad in traditional costumes, renewing their spirit of patriotism and love towards the country.

A young boy seen waving the Sabah flag during Malaysia Day 2023 celebration at Indoor Stadium, Kuching, on Sept 16, 2023. Photo credit: Information Department (JaPen)

Gracing the grand celebration were acting Sarawak Governor Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar and his wife, Puan Sri Datin Amar Fatimah Mohamad Iskandar.

Asfia and Fatimah photographed during their arrival at the Malaysia Day 2023 celebration at Indoor Stadium, Kuching, on Sept 16, 2023. Photo credit: Information Department (JaPen)

Notable dignitaries include Prime Minister Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim and wife Dato Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail; Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and wife Puan Sri Datuk Amar Juma’ani Tuanku Bujang; Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor and wife Datin Seri Panglima Datuk Juliah Salag; Deputy Prime Minister Dato Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi; as well as Deputy Prime Minister Dato Seri Fadillah Yusof and wife Datin Sri Ruziah Mohd Tahir.

Front row, from left: Fadillah, Zahid, Hajiji, Abang Johari, Anwar, Asfia and Fatimah photographed during the Malaysia Day 2023 celebration at Indoor Stadium, Kuching on Sept 16, 2023. Photo credit: Information Department (JaPen)

The event commenced at 8.30pm with an opening contemporary dance performance titled ‘Overture—Soul of Malaysia’ joined by Sarawak National Culture and Arts Department (JKKN), Dayak Cultural Foundation, Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba), and dancers under JKKN’s supervision.

Next, the event continued with the entrance of Kembara Merdeka Jalur Gemilang led by Sarawak Information Department director Jaafar Jantan, followed by the flag-raising ceremony led by Royal Malaysian Navy, Jalur Gemilang song performance accompanied by the joint formation of the Jalur Gemilang, Sarawak, and Sabah flags, and Rukun Negara recital led by 2023 Sarawak Youth Icon Afiq Fadhli Narawi.

Actors performing the ‘Segulai Sejalai’ musical performance during the Malaysia Day 2023 celebration at Indoor Stadium, Kuching, on Sept 16, 2023. Photo credit: Information Department (JaPen)

The event also saw the staging of a special musical performance titled ‘Segulai Sejalai’ and other dancing and singing performances.

Additionally, two Malaysian singers, Bob Yusof and Aina Abdul, took the stage and entertained the crowd with their amazing voices.

Abang Johari (seated) sharing a light moment with Anwar (on his left) and Hajiji (on his right) during the signing of the Malaysia Day Special Book at the Malaysia Day 2023 celebration on Sept 16, 2023. Photo: Information Department (JaPen)

The highlight of the event was the signing ceremony of the Malaysia Day Special Book by the three regions represented by Anwar, Abang Johari, and Hajiji.

The audience photographed waving the Jalur Gemilang and Sarawak flag during the Malaysia Day 2023 celebration at Indoor Stadium, Kuching, on Sept 16, 2023. Photo credit: Information Department (JaPen)

The event ended with a fireworks performance outside the stadium around 11pm.

This is the second consecutive hosting of the Malaysia Day celebration in Kuching after 2019 and the seventh time it has been held in Sarawak since 2010. — DayakDaily

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