KUCHING – Up to 10,000 people are expected to gather at Padang Merdeka this Saturday for the Parade and Giant Rally marking the 80th birthday of the Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak.
Sarawak Minister of Utilities and Telecommunications and minister responsible for the celebration, Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi, said preparations were on track following a full rehearsal held on Thursday.
He said the event would serve a broader purpose beyond commemorating the birthday of the state’s Governor, providing an opportunity for Sarawakians from different racial, religious and cultural backgrounds to come together.
“Based on the rehearsal that we all witnessed earlier, it seems that our preparations are very neat and solid and God willing, it will go smoothly.”
Julaihi said organisers were also hopeful that favourable weather would allow the main celebration to proceed according to plan.
“We hope that the weather conditions will also be in our favour so that the official celebration on Saturday can go well,” he said after witnessing the full rehearsal.
Attendance could potentially exceed the 10,000-person estimate, he added, citing the capacity of Padang Merdeka and improvements in connectivity and transport infrastructure.
The minister said ongoing development of major road networks, including the Pan Borneo Highway, coastal roads and new bridges, was expected to make it easier for people from different parts of Sarawak to travel to Kuching for the celebration.
He said the improved accessibility would support wider participation from communities across the state, allowing Sarawakians from different backgrounds to take part in the morning programme.
“With the improving road network, we are confident that Sarawakians from various tribes, religions and cultures will be able to join in the celebration in the morning.”
The celebrations will continue into the evening with a People’s Concert at Padang Merdeka, which Julaihi described as an appreciation for the people while also marking the milestone birthday of the Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak.
“In the evening, a People’s Concert will also be held here (Padang Merdeka) as a sign of appreciation to the people, apart from celebrating the 80th birthday of His Excellency the Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak,” he added.
Security preparations have also been put in place, with the Royal Malaysian Police, Malaysian Armed Forces and other relevant agencies assigned to ensure the event runs safely and smoothly.
Julaihi said security personnel would remain on standby throughout the celebration, reflecting the importance of maintaining public safety during a large-scale gathering.
He also highlighted Sarawak’s reputation for peaceful coexistence among its diverse communities, saying the celebration would provide another occasion for people to demonstrate the state’s culture of unity and harmony.
“All personnel involved in maintaining security are always ready at all times.” He said the gathering was expected to reflect Sarawak’s longstanding emphasis on peaceful relations between communities and its multicultural character.
Julaihi also conveyed his congratulations to the Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak on the 80th birthday, describing the occasion as a representation of unity and harmony among Sarawak’s multiracial population.
Among those who witnessed the full rehearsal were Sarawak State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Deputy Ministers Datuk Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali, Datuk Sebastian Ting, Datuk Henry Harry Jinep and Datuk Martin Ben.
Also present were Senior Private Secretary to the Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak Dato’ Sri Syed Hamzah Syed Paie and Sarawak Protocol, Ceremonies and Event Management Unit (UPPANS) director Datu Hamdan Sharbini.
With the parade, giant rally and evening concert forming the main components of the programme, organisers are preparing for a large public turnout at Padang Merdeka as Sarawak marks the Governor’s 80th birthday. – Sarawak Daily
