KUCHING – In a grand ceremony held on Saturday evening at the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly, a State Banquet was held in honour of the 79th birthday of Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak, Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar. The event combined formal protocol with rich cultural performances.
The evening began with the arrival of Tun Wan Junaidi and his wife, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi, who were welcomed by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and his daughter, Dayang Norjihan Abang Johari.
A highlight of the event was a Zapin dance performance, organised by the Sarawak Arts Council. The performance aimed to reflect the traditional elegance and cultural identity of the Malay community in Sarawak.
This was followed by a recitation of prayers by the Grand Imam of Sarawak, Dato Mustapha Kamal Ahmad Fauzi, invoking blessings and well-being for the Head of State.
The banquet included the customary birthday cake cutting, witnessed by the Premier, the Head of State, and other distinguished guests.
A specially produced video also chronicled Tun Wan Junaidi’s life, his public service, and his contributions, particularly his role in advancing Sarawak’s position through engagements related to the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
Musical performances featured local artists such as Bob Yusuf, Jali, Nur Hijrah Yahya and Mal Imran, who presented songs themed on unity and devotion to the state.
The night concluded with a fireworks display, capping off the ceremony in a celebratory yet dignified atmosphere.
Among the attendees were the Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia, Datuk Amar Fadillah Yusof, Sarawak’s Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan and Datuk Amar Professor Dr Sim Kui Hian, the Minister of Tourism, Creative Industries and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, as well as state and federal ministers, the Sarawak Secretary to Government Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, deputy ministers, and other prominent figures.
Reportedly, the banquet was one of several events scheduled for the birthday celebrations, which include a parade, public concert and official tea reception.