KUCHING: It will be a colourful and grand celebration to commemorate the 60th Anniversary of Sarawak’s Independence with programmes and activities planned from this May to August in the state.
Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the celebration themed ‘Sarawak Maju Makmur’ will be filled with nine main events.
“The events include a ‘Kembara Sarawak Merdeka’ convoy, Sarawak 60 years digital exhibition, ‘Majlis Kesyukuruan Perdana’, assembly and parade, and presentation of the commemorative medals.
“There will also be a state banquet, public concerts and fireworks display, decorated boat parades, as well as street parades,” he said.
He said this in a press conference after officiating at the launch of the logo, theme, website and calendar of events in conjunction with the 60th anniversary of Sarawak independence at Wisma Bapa Malaysia yesterday.
Abdul Karim, who is also the minister-in-charge of the celebration, said the convoy on May 28 until July 22 will be involved from Limbang all the way down to Kuching Division.
“What is interesting is that for the second leg of the convoy, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg is expected to participate in the convoy by bike from Miri to Bintulu on June 10,” he said, while adding that Kuching will be last location of the convoy.
Among other highlights of celebration, he said, will also be the presentation of commemorative medals namely ‘Pingat Peringatan Terbilang Jubli Intan (P.P.T.J.I.)’, ‘Pingat Peringatan Cemerlang Jubli Intan (P.P.C.J.I) (Gold)’, ‘Pingat Peringatan Bakti Jubli Intan (P.P.B.J.I) (Silver)’ and ‘Pingat Peringatan Terpuji Jubli Intan (P.P.T.J.I) (Bronze)’ to those who have served and contributed to Sarawak.
Commenting further on the programme, he said in addition to providing an opportunity for all Sarawakians to experience the excitement of the celebration and the meaning behind the celebration, the 60th anniversary of Sarawak independence is also to convey the government’s initiatives through the organisation of various programmes and activities that will be held.
“Sarawak Day is one of the main milestone events of the Sarawak government which is held on July 22 every year starting in 2016 until today.
“Recalling the history of the celebration of Sarawak Day, July 22 was declared a public holiday in Sarawak and this announcement was made by the late Pehin Sri Adenan Satem during his official speech at the ‘Sejiwa Senada’ Programme in Matang, Kuching on April 23, 2016,” he said.
At the same time, as the celebration will be carried out starting towards the end of May, Abdul Karim mentioned that it will not affect the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting which is expected to commence in the middle of May.
“By the middle of May, we are expected to have our sitting, and once that is finished, we will continue with the activities for the 60th anniversary of Sarawak independence,” he said.
On a related note, he also welcomes the private sector to join and contribute towards the celebration.
“The celebration is not only for the state government, because the private sectors are also involved in contributing towards the development of the state,” he said.
Meanwhile, for more detailed information of the programmes and activities that are going to be held, the public can visit http://sarawak.gov.my/60thnsarawakmerdeka.
