KUCHING: The forthcoming celebration of Sarawak’s 60 Years of Independence promises a joyous occasion filled with diverse activities and exhibitions, spanning from July 22 to Aug 19.
Sarawak Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah announced that a series of 10 major programmes have been meticulously organised in anticipation of this historic milestone, encompassing Kuching, Sibu, Miri and Lawas.
The festivities include the Digital Exhibition of 60 Years of Sarawak Independence, Sarawak Independence Convoy Tour, Sarawak’s 60th Anniversary Celebration, public gatherings and parades, the Diamond Jubilee 2023 Commemorative Medal Presentation Ceremony, Konsert Rakyat, Decorated Boat Parade, and Street Parade.
“The Sarawak Independence Convoy Tour commenced on May 28, and simultaneously, the exhibition committee initiated exhibitions in various locations.
“We have conducted further discussions regarding additional side programmes and received positive reports from the involved committees. Everything is progressing smoothly so far,” he said at a press conference on today (July 6).
As for the pinnacle event, the programme will commence with a thanksgiving ceremony on July 21, expected to be graced by Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud and Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
“On the summit morning, a rally and parade will commence at 8am at Padang Merdeka, with an estimated participation of approximately 3,000 individuals,” Abdul Karim disclosed.
Subsequently, the ceremony will proceed with the presentation of the diamond jubilee commemorative medals to 60 deserving recipients, taking place at the Waterfront Hotel.
He pointed out that the focal point of the celebrations is the highly anticipated concert, scheduled for July 22 at Padang Merdeka, commencing at 7.15pm.
The concert, presented in three segments, will feature esteemed local artists, including Masterpiece Band, Elizabeth Paya, Bob Yunus, Ng Chien Chien, Firdaus Materang, Carrie Geres and Ramles Walter.
“The second segment will showcase performances by popular local artists such as Floor 88, Dolla, Joe Flizzow and Dato Awie. To culminate the premier concert, we will feature the renowned Indonesian band Ungu.”
Furthermore, the Decorated Boat Parade will see 22 vessels parading along Kuching Waterfront on July 29, commencing at 7pm.
The Ministry of Public Health, Housing and Local Government will also organise a Street Parade divided into three parts. The first will take place at the Travillion Commercial Centre, Kuching on Aug 5, followed by Sibu on Aug 12, and concluding in Miri on Aug 19.
The press conference was attended by, among others, State Secretary Datuk Seri Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Deputy State Secretary Datuk Hii Chang Kee; Deputy Minister for Utility and Telecommunication, Datuk Liwan Lagang; Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Datuk Sebastian Ting; and Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Law, MA63 and State-Federal Relations), Datuk Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali.
