In the lush heartland of Borneo, where nature’s enchantment intertwines with cultural diversity, a remarkable milestone approaches as Sarawak, the land of captivating beauty and rich heritage, is celebrating its 60th anniversary of independence.
As the auspicious occasion dawns upon this land, a sense of profound sentimentality sweeps through every corner, as the people reflect upon the remarkable journey that brought them here.
Six decades ago, Sarawak emerged from the shadows of colonialism, heralding a new era of self-governance and embracing the spirit of independence.
From the rugged mountain ranges to the sprawling rivers and dense rainforests, this beloved land has been witness to the resilient spirit of its people, who have overcome countless challenges and united in pursuit of progress and prosperity.
The path to this milestone has not been an easy one, but through the sheer determination and unwavering spirit of its inhabitants, Sarawak has flourished and became a remarkable state.
Therefore, in celebrating Sarawak’s 60th anniversary of independence, various events are organised to highlight this year’s anniversary theme — ‘Sarawak Maju Makmur’.
Sarawak Merdeka Convoy
The Sarawak 60th Anniversary celebration officially began on May 28, 2023 with the Sarawak Merdeka Convoy flagged off at Lawas by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
The convoy served as the main event among nine large scale programmes in conjunction with the celebration.
This was the first time the convoy makes a stop in all 12 Divisions, due to the recent completion of a road in Kapit.
After its flagging off ceremony, the convoy had made pit stops at Limbang on May 28; Miri (June 10); Bintulu (June 11); Mukah (June 17); Sibu (June 18); Kapit (June 24); Sarikei (June 25); Betong (July 3); Sri Aman (July 8); Serian (July 15); Samarahan (July 16); and Kuching (July 20).
The objective of the convoy stopping at every Division statewide was to invigorate the spirit of patriotism among the community and educate the people about the progress and prosperity that had been achieved since its independence.
Moreover, in the divisional level, programmes such as Sarawak Kitchen, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Product Sales Booths (PMKS), Sarawak X-Tive Programme involving members of the public from children, youth, communities and local villagers were also held.
Digital Exhibition
In conjunction with the celebration, digital exhibitions are also held to highlight the historical journey of Sarawak as a country and highlight the progress that has been achieved by the people of Sarawak over the past 60 years.
Aside from that, the exhibition aims to explain Sarawak’s sustainable development agenda through the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 Plan; showcase Sarawak’s Digital Economy, Green and Hydrogen Economy; showcase Sarawak’s future plans towards a developed state by 2030; provide engagement with the local community; and showcase the initiatives of the Premier.
With the given platform, 14 exhibitors participated in the exhibition, namely Ministry of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development (MFICORD); Ministry of Natural Resources and Urban Development; Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development; Ministry of Public Health, Housing and Local Government; Ministry of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development; Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industries and Performing Arts; Ministry of Infrastructure and Port Development; Ministry of Utilities and Telecommunications; Ministry of Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development; Ministry of Transport; Ministry of Energy and Environmental Sustainability (MEESty); Rando (Organising Department); and TVS.
Thanksgiving Ceremony
With the theme of ‘Sarawak Maju Makmur’, the thanksgiving ceremony, managed by the Islamic Religious Department Sarawak (JAIS), was held at Jamek Mosque Sarawak yesterday (July 21) at 5.30pm.
The ceremony, which was attended by about 4,000 people in addition to online attendees from 11 divisional mosques via Zoom application, was broadcasted live on TVS, Facebook JAIS and Sarawak Public Communications Unit (UKAS) and YouTube UKAS Channel.
The ceremony was also attended by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and his wife, Puan Sri Datuk Amar Juma’ani Tun Tuanku Bujang.
During the ceremony, Sahibus Samahah Mufti Sarawak Datuk Kipli Yassin gave a special lecture titled ‘Mensyukuri Nikmat Kemerdekaan’.
Thanksgiving Ceremony of Other Religions
Meanwhile, the Unit for Other Religions (UNIFOR) organised thanksgiving prayer ceremonies in houses of worship of various sects from July 14 till today (July 22).
For its ceremony in Kuching, it was held yesterday (July 21) at the Colosseum Ballroom, Hotel Pullman Kuching at 9am.
The ceremony was attended by the Premier and was joined by 700 attendees involving various houses of worship including Christians, Buddhists, Hindus, Baha’is, Sikhs and Taoists,
This ceremony was also broadcasted live on UKAS Facebook and YouTube Channel, and on TVS Channel 122 Astro and MyTV.
Gatherings and Parade
The gatherings and parade, which are expected to draw 3,000 people, will be held today (July 22) at 8am at Padang Merdeka Kuching.
The event, involving 60 contingents, is made up of ministries, government departments and agencies, public institutions of higher education (IPTA), and associations and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) of various ethnicities in Sarawak.
Each of the contingents will march across the main stage following the songs that have been set based on the concept of nostalgia from the 60s to the millennium that depicts ethnic and cultural unity in Sarawak.
Moreover, the parade will be contested in three categories, namely state and federal governments; statutory bodies, government-linked companies (GLCs), local authorities; associations, organisations and clubs.
Taib and the Premier, along with their wives, will be present at the event.
Prior to this event, three rehearsal sessions were held from July 18 till yesterday (July 21) at Padang Merdeka Kuching from 8am to noon.
Diamond Jubilee 2023 Commemorative Medal Presentation Ceremony
This ceremony will be held immediately at The Waterfront Hotel Kuching at 11.30am after the completion of the Gatherings and Parade at Padang Merdeka Kuching.
The Award Ceremony will be held for the First Grade and Special Premium Grade Medal Category.
State Banquet
The State Banquet will take place at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Dining Hall today (July 22) at 8pm.
The ceremony will be held in four segments, namely the official segment, entertainment performances from local and international artistes, a special performance of the Sarawak Maju Makmur Musical and the finale.
For the segments, it will be accompanied by strings performance from The Sarawak State Symphony Orchestra (SONS).
This event is expecting the attendance of Taib and Abang Johari along with their wives.
Rakyat Concert
Following this much anticipated day, there will also be a Rakyat Concert at Padang Merdeka Kuching at 7.15pm today (July 22). Tonight, there will be three segments, namely the Pre-Performance which will feature local artistes such as Masterpiece Band; Elizabeth Paya representing the Orang Ulu; Bob Yunus representing the Malay; Ng Chien Chien representing the Chinese; Firdaus Materang representing the Melanau; Carrie Geres representing the Bidayuh; and Ramles Walter representing the Iban.
The second segment, Perdana Concert, will feature performances from local artistes, each presenting three songs, namely Floor 88, Dolla, Joe Flizzow, Datuk Awie, and Ungu from Indonesia.
Aside from that, there will also be a drone performance of the 60th Anniversary of Sarawak Independence and a fireworks display (twice) which can also be witnessed at the VIP Foyer of the DUN Building.
Decorated Boat Parade
The 60th Anniversary Celebration continues with a parade of 22 decorated boats on July 29 at Kuching Riverbank at 7pm.
In addition to the parade, there will also be a jet ski performance, perahu tambang parade, and a performance by Sarawak born artistes Dayang Nurfaezah and Hafiz Suip.
Street Parade
Organised by the Ministry of Public Health, Housing and Local Government, the street parade will be held at Kuching, Sibu, and Miri.
Sixty contingents in each division are expected to participate in this event.
The event at Kuching will be flagged off at Travillion Commercial Centre on Aug 5 and ends at Kuching Post Office.
Meanwhile in Sibu, the event on Aug 12 will be flagged off and ends at Dataran Tun Tuanku Haji Bujang Phase 2 whereas in Miri on Aug 19, it will be flagged off at Miri City Hall and ends at Miri Times Square.
