KUCHING: The Sarawak 60th Independence Anniversary Celebration continues with mesmerising performances during the state banquet.
The ceremony, which was held at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) here last night (July 23), was graced by the presence of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and his wife Datuk Amar Juma’ani Tun Tuanku Bujang.
The main programme started with the opening performance from the Sarawak State Symphony Orchestra (SONS) before the launch of the 60th year of Sarawak Independence book titled ‘Sarawak Maju Makmur’ by Abang Johari.
The guests were then presented with a montage video about the special book, which included the journey of the leaders in developing Sarawak since independence in 1963.
The highlight of the programme was the screening of a short film entitled ‘Sayang Sarawak’, which tells the story of the lives of three generations of families of former Sarawak independence fighters.
This film also reveals the colourful, bittersweet lives, unity, and harmony of the people of Sarawak.
During the event, there were also performances by Bob Yusof, Claudia Geres, Charlyn Dare, Christine Chua, Mal Imran, Gabriel Fairuz Louis, and Nur Hijrah Yahya.
After the banquet, Abang Johari, together with the guests of honour, went to Dataran Perbarisan to witness the fireworks display.
Also present were Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, and Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian and their respective wives; DUN Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar; Senate president Tan Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar; Minister of Tourism, Creative Industries, and Performing Arts Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah; State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki; and others.