KUCHING: A convoy of 40 high-powered motorcycles representing several clubs and 20 four-wheel drive vehicles representing the Padawan 4×4 Adventure Club enlivened the atmosphere at the Puncak Borneo parliamentary constituency level Independence Day and Malaysia Day celebrations on Saturday.
Leading the convoy, which started from the car park of the Puncak Borneo Parliamentary Service Center in Bratan, Jalan Puncak Borneo to Teng Bukap Town, Padawan was the Deputy Minister of Plantation Industries and Commodities Datuk Willie Mongin.
The convoy made a brief stop at the Siburan Mini Stadium for a handing over ceremony of the Jalur Gemilang from four Chinese community leaders in the Siburan district before continuing to Teng Bukap Town where the official ceremony was held.
Willie’s arrival with members of the convoy at the Teng Bukap Multi-Purpose Hall was warmly welcomed by those present.
The event organised by the Information Department was also attended by the Bidayuh community leaders and residents around the Padawan district, including trainees (mentally impaired children) from the Teng Bukap Community Training Centre.
Attracting the attention of the crowd at the event was the performance by the Teng Bukap Community Training Centre trainees who performed two songs including “We are the world”.
At the event, Willie also presented prizes to the winners of the Bulan Keceriaan competition and Bintang Patriotik competition.
Meanwhile, Willie who is also the Member of Parliament for Puncak Borneo in his speech stressed that every citizen of this country should appreciate the independence that the country enjoyed and the formation of the Federation of Malaysia.
He said, the independence and formation of the Federation of Malaysia has seen significant development compared to when the country was colonised by foreign powers.
“People’s lives are now more easier and more well off with all the developments implemented by our own government,” he added.
As a representative of the people, Willie said he will continue to raise awareness among the people, especially in the Puncak Borneo Parliamentary constituency about the meaning of independence and the importance of independence and the of Malaysia Day celebration.
“At the same time, I call on all citizens of this country to play their respective roles to spread this message widely so that our young generation can understand it,” he added.
Meanwhile, the president of the Padawan 4X4 Adventure Club Melecinus Meran said the club was grateful for being invited to join the celebrations, adding it definitely spurred the spirit of patriotism among the club’s members.
“By participating in such a convoy we can also play a role in appreciating the independence that our country has enjoyed and appreciating the formation of our country Malaysia,” he said.
He said that more than 40 members of the club who rode in 20 four-wheel drive vehicles joined the convoy.
Meanwhile, motorcycle convoy participant Greg Sireg said that for the past few years he has never missed an opportunity to participate in the motorcycle convoy event held in conjunction with the celebration of Independence Day and Malaysia Day.
In addition to having fun, Greg said that every time he participates in an event like this (motorcycle convoy) it boosts his patriotic spirit and makes him feel proud to be a Malaysian.
