KUCHING: A vibrant sea of over 3,000 people gathered at Stadium Perpaduan here last evening to celebrate the national-level Malaysia Day 2023 with unparalleled enthusiasm and patriotism.
Sarawak hosted the National Level Malaysia Day Celebration for the seventh time, out of the 13 times it has been organised since it started in 2010.
The celebration, among its various significances, serves as a commemoration of the establishment of Malaysia and stands as a symbol of unity between Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak.
As early as 6 pm, attendees began arriving and the event came to life with the stadium filled with energy. Performers and dancers donned in their ethnic costumes, represented Malaysia’s incredibly diverse cultural heritage.
The programme commenced at 7pm, offering a range of performances for the audience, including dance performances from various departments, government agencies and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
The event also featured the Jalur Gemilang raising ceremony and a recitation of the Rukun Negara.
The celebration was graced with a star-studded line-up of local and national entertainers, featuring crowd favourites like Bob Yusof, Aina Abdul, Ricky Andrewson, Valerie Thiam, Claudia Geres, Mal Imran and Charlyn.
One of the event’s highlights was a special musical performance titled “Segulai Sejalai,” which portrayed the stories of Malaysia’s formation, the struggle for independence in North Borneo and Sarawak, and the harmonious unity of the Malaysian people.
Gracing the event were acting Head of State Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar and his wife Puan Sri Datin Amar Fatimah Mohamad Iskandar; Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his wife Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail; Deputy Prime Ministers Datuk Patinggi Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof; Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and his wife Puan Sri Datuk Amar Juma’ani Tun Tuanku Bujang; Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor and his wife Datin Seri Panglima Julia Salag; as well as Federal and Sarawak Cabinet ministers.
