KUCHING – The Sultan of Pahang, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, attended a dinner ceremony in Kuching on Thursday in conjunction with his arrival in the city.
The Sultan arrived at about 8pm, where he was received by Sarawak Governor Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg.
The dinner brought together senior Sarawak officials and representatives from Pahang, with the programme featuring music, cultural performances and a video presentation highlighting links between the two states.
Proceedings began with the official songs of Sarawak and Pahang, followed by a series of traditional dances representing several ethnic communities in Sarawak. The performances formed part of the welcoming programme for the Sultan.
Guests were also shown a special video recalling the 2023 Borneo Get-To-Know Tour, which took place during Sultan Abdullah’s tenure as the 16th Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
The presentation highlighted the relationship between Sarawak and Pahang and revisited the Sultan’s activities during the tour. It also provided a link between his previous role as the country’s head of state and his current visit to Sarawak.
Dinner was accompanied by cultural music and dance performances showcasing elements of Sarawak’s diverse communities. The programme reflected the state’s multi-ethnic and multicultural character, with performances drawing attention to different aspects of its cultural heritage.
The event concluded with the singing of “Bekikis Bulu Betis”, a well-known Sarawak song that has become associated with expressions of community identity and cultural pride.
Following the dinner, the Sultan departed the venue accompanied by Wan Junaidi, Abang Johari and other dignitaries.
Among those attending were Speaker of the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nasar, members of the Sarawak Cabinet, Sarawak Government Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki and Sarawak deputy ministers.
Pahang was also represented by the Chairman of the State Committee on Islamic Religious Affairs, Rural Development and Orang Asli Affairs, Dato’ Sri Syed Ibrahim Syed Ahmad.
The gathering provided an opportunity for representatives from both states to meet in Kuching, while the cultural programme placed emphasis on Sarawak’s diverse traditions and the longstanding links highlighted during the Sultan’s visit.
