Sibu venue of state-level Malaysia Day celebration
SIBU: This year’s state-level Malaysia Day celebration on Sept 16 will be held here.
Second Finance Minister and Minister of International Trade and E- Commerce Dato Sri Wong Soon Kohsaid the celebration would be held at Sibu Town Square beginning 7pm to feature activities with elements of patriotism and entertainment.
“Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud and his wife Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Ragad Kurdi Taib will grace the occasion,” Wong told a press conference yesterday.
Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg and wife Datin Amar Juma’ani Tuanku Bujang as well as other cabinet ministers are also expected to attend.
A pre- show will start at 7pm with a concert featuring local artistes until the arrival of the Head of State around 8pm, who will be welcomed by 100 pupils in accompaniment of the 1Malaysia Beat comprising the hadrah and lion dances.
“Then, the state anthem ‘ Ibu Pertiwiku’ will be played followed by an overture called ‘ Beauty of Malaysia’ featuring traditional dances and display of flags of all states in Malaysia,” Wong said.
Wong, who is minister in-charge of the celebration, said the chief minister would then deliver his speech followed by the launch of the celebration by the Head of State.
After that, the leader of Kembara Jalur Gemilang Convoy, Abang Sardon Abang Hashim will hand over the national flag to the Head of State who will present it to Royal Malaysia Navy officers to be hoisted while the ‘ Negaraku’ is sung.
“A total of 300 students from four secondary schools will put up a 15-minute special performance entitled ‘ Malaysia My Nation’ featuring poem recital and elements of unity and patriotism through song and dance.
“A spectacular fireworks display will cap the event for the night.
“Members of the public are invited to turn up in full force and to fly the Jalur Gemilang at their own premises in support of Malaysia Day,” he said.
The state’s Protocol and Public Relations Unit director Datuk Khir Busrah, Sibu Resident Hii Chang Kee, Sibu police chief ACP Saiful Bahri Abdullah and Sibu/ Mukah Information Officer Ivy Stephen were present at the press conference.