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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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
