BY RACHEL MINA
KUCHING: Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah called upon all Sarawakians to come together for the state-level National Day celebration this August 31.
He said that the theme of ‘Malaysia Prihatin’ is similar to last year’s and the hybrid celebration will take place in Kuching instead of Betong.
“The celebration will be held at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) building, but with only 100 attendees and strict compliance with the standard operating procedure (SOP).
“The celebration will be live streamed on the Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas) Facebook page as well as on TVS and Radio Television Malaysia (RTM).
“There will be numerous cultural and other special performances that will be showcased in hopes to ignite and instil the spirit of unity, especially among the younger generation.
“I hope that everyone would join us in commemorating this historical day,” he said.
He said this during a press conference on the state-level National Day celebration at Wisma Bapa Malaysia today (August 17).
As the minister in charge for the state-level National Day celebration, Abdul Karim is assisted by Assistant Minister of Community Wellbeing Datuk Francis Harden Hollis; Assistant Minister of Native Land Development Datuk Roland Sagah Wee Inn; Assistant Minister of International Trade and Industry, Industry Terminal and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Malcolm Mussen Lamoh and Assistant Minister of Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Datuk Len Talif Salleh.
At the same time, he also encouraged all Sarawakians to fly the Jalur Gemilang in their homes and buildings to enliven this special occasion.
“Guests of honour expected to attend the event are Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud and his wife Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Ragad Kurdi Taib; Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg and his wife Datuk Amar Hajah Juma’ani Tun Tuanku Bujang and other Sarawak Cabinet ministers.
“Besides performances by the cultural troupes from Sarawak Arts Council (SAC), there will be video showcases highlighting our history and why it’s important to celebrate National Day as well as the contribution of our frontliners who are currently fighting for our freedom against the Covid-19 pandemic,” he said.
He urged Sarawakians to not miss out on the state-level National Day celebration despite the fact it is once again being celebrated in moderation.
