Sunday September 16, 2012

Set for a spectacular Malaysia Day

BINTULU: Over 15,000 people from all walks of life are expected to celebrate the 49th anniversary of the formation of Malaysia here tonight.

The celebratory mood is already evident. Most shops and public and private buildings in the town are flying the Jalur Gemilang while colourful fishtails, depicting various activities that stress togetherness, are hanging along the roads and billboards.

At the event site near the old airport, several canopies have been put up and a stage constructed for VIPs and performers.

The event proper will start after 8pm with the arrival of the Sarawak Head of State Tun Abang Muhammad Salahuddin and his wife, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Norkiah.

They will be welcomed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud, and Information, Communications and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim together with their spouses. Other federal and state ministers will also be there.

The national and state anthems will be played, followed by a choir presentation.

Rais, who is the minister in charge of the event, will deliver his welcoming address, followed by a speech by Taib and a video presentation on the development of the nation.

Najib will give his speech before Abang Muhammad launches the celebrations with officers of the Royal Malaysian Navy raising the Jalur Gemilang.

This will be followed by the presentation of awards to five outstanding Malaysians and the handing of a Malaysia Book of Records certificate to the organiser of Twitter Merdeka, which received over 3.6 million national day tweets within an hour.

There will be a Janji Ditepati presentation before the Bintulu night sky is lighted up with fireworks.

The official programme will end with the departure of the VIPs.

However, the celebrations will continue with popular Malaysian artistes entertaining the crowd.

News

Sunday September 16, 2012

Set for a spectacular Malaysia Day