BALINGIAN: For the first time in history, this year’s three major national celebrations were held under the new normal following the Covid-19 pandemic scare.

Balingian assemblyman Abdul Yakub Arbi said the events were Sarawak Day on July 22, National Day (August 31) and last Wednesday, Malaysia Day.

According to him, under the new normal, all the three events had to be organised according to the standard operating procedures (SOPs) in place.

“I urge the people to understand the actual meaning of the theme of the National Day and Malaysia Day 2020 celebrations, ‘Malaysia Prihatin (Malaysia Cares)’, he said at the Malaysia Day programme at Surau Kampung Pulat here last Wednesday.

Abdul Yakub explained that the programme had a clear purpose, namely to enhance the spirit of love towards the country.

He reminded the people to remember the contributions of past leaders in achieving independence and to appreciate the freedom Malaysians had been enjoying for so many years.

He congratulated and thanked the Kampung Pulat Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK) and surau committee for organising the programme.

The former Dalat and Mukah District Council (MDDM) walikota also urged the people to always uphold the five principles of Rukun Negara, which according to him, is a basic identity in uniting the people in Malaysia.