KUCHING: The July 22 Sarawak Independence Day celebration will be celebrated on a grand scale with various activities to be held for two weeks. In a press statement issued here yesterday, the organiser emphasised that it was important for all Sarawakians to know the history leading to the independence day on July 22, 1963. A total of eight main activities have been outlined to commemorate the special celebration.
The first of eight main activities is a thanksgiving prayer at Masjid Darul Hana on July 20 which will see the participation of the Head of State, Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud and Chief Minister, Datuk Patinggi (Dr) Abang Johari Tun Openg.
In addition, all religious institutions throughout the State will also hold similar thanksgiving ceremony at their respective house of worships. On July 21, the 722 Sarawak Independence Day Unity Run will take place at the Kuching Waterfront. The route covers the waterfront area, town area, nearby villages and Darul Hana bridge.
The entry fee is priced at RM60 and participants will each receive a t-shirt and goodie bag. Additionally, the Sarawak Independence Day Rally on July 22 will be held at Dataran Perayaan, Jalan Stadium in Petra Jaya here starting at 9am after the arrival of Tun Taib.
Prior to this rally, some 500 cyclists from around Kuching will take part in the Sarawak Independence Day Unity Ride and some will accompany the motorcade transporting Tun Taib and Abang Johari from their respective houses to Dataran Perayaan.
On the same day, a 722 Unity Concert #IbuPertiwiku at 8pm will feature local artistes and cultural presentations showcasing the culture of various ethnic groups in the State.
Meanwhile, an exhibition will be held at Plaza Merdeka Mall from July 22 until July 29. It will depict the history of early Sarawak during the Brooke era, the formation of Malaysia and the Malaysia Agreement up to the present time. Members of the public as well as students are encouraged to visit the exhibition to learn about the State’s history.
