KUCHING: A crowd of about 10,000 people converged on Padang Merdeka to witness the grand parade and ceremony in celebration of the 79th official birthday of the Head of State, Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, today.
The festivities began at 7:30 am with the ceremonial parade featuring 110 contingents representing various government agencies and associations.
The occasion was marked with full military honours, beginning with a Royal Guard parade, a helicopter flypast, and a 17-gun salute in tribute to the Head of State.
Wan Junaidi later inspected the main guard of honour, accompanied by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, as thousands of Sarawakians cheered and waved along the field.
The atmosphere was further uplifted by the singing of the national anthem ‘Negaraku’ and the state anthem ‘Ibu Pertiwiku’, before the celebration reached its highlight – the cutting of a birthday cake by Wan Junaidi, joined by his wife, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi.
Chants of “Dirgahayu” filled Padang Merdeka, resonating with the spirit of the day.
Wan Junaidi, who turned 79 this year, has long been acknowledged for his service to Sarawak, beginning with his early years in the security forces.
He later became known for his firm defence of the state’s rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
In conjunction with the celebration, prizes were awarded to contingents that impressed judges through discipline, presentation and creativity across several categories.
For the Enforcement Category, the Sarawak Land and Survey Department was placed first and received RM5,000, followed by the Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) with RM3,000, and the Bintulu Development Authority (BDA) with RM2,000.
Within the Statutory Bodies, GLCs and Higher Learning Institutions Category, Bintulu Port Holdings Bhd was named winner, while Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) and the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (FAMA) secured second and third places.
The Associations Category saw the Federation of Orang Ulu Associations Malaysia (FORUM) finishing ahead of Lembaga Khairat Yayasan Melayu Budaya Sarawak (LKYMBS) and the Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA).
In the Departments Category, the Public Works Department (PWD) came out on top, while the Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB) and the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) followed in the next two spots.
For the Divisions Category, Sibu Division Administration was adjudged best, with Bintulu Division Administration ranked second, and Kapit Division Administration third.
The Ministries Category was led by the Ministry of Utility and Telecommunication (MUDeNR), ahead of the Ministry of Transport (MOTS) and the Ministry of International Trade, Industry and Investment (MIPD).
Meanwhile, the Creative Special Category went to LKYMBS for their colourful and inventive display, while Sri Aman Division Administration and FAMA placed second and third.
All winners received trophies and cash awards ranging from RM2,000 to RM5,000 as recognition for their efforts and spirited participation.- Sarawak Tribune