The state Natural Resources and Urban Development Ministry’s contingent marching past the main stage in their vintage costumes. — Photos by ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE/The Star
SARAWAKIANS put on a show full of colour and creativity in celebrating Sarawak Day with a grand parade at Padang Merdeka in Kuching.
Over 3,000 participants from various ethnic groups came together in 75 contingents, representing government agencies, statutory bodies, community and cultural associations, educational institutions and non-governmental organisations for the event.
Sarawak Day, which falls on July 22, commemorates the state’s attainment of self-government from the British in 1963. This year’s celebration, themed Sarawak Maju Makmur (Prosperous, Progressive Sarawak), marked the state’s 60th anniversary of independence within Malaysia.
For the participants, it was an occasion to celebrate Sarawak’s unity in diversity and progress over the years.
Parade participants in traditional attire performing in front of the main stage.
Contingent leader Howard Fadd from the state Natural Resources and Urban Development Ministry said he was excited to be part of the event.
“It’s an opportunity for us to showcase our unity, development and cooperation among various races.
“We’re all enjoying the experience of participating in the parade and celebrating 60 years of independence.
“Sarawak has seen a lot of changes over the years.
“Now we have digital economy, while the autonomous rapid transit is coming to Kuching,” he said.
Members of the combined federal departments contingent taking a group photograph.
While some contingents dressed in traditional attire, others put on costumes representing each decade from the 1960s to the millenium.
Each contingent also gave a short performance in front of the main stage accompanied by a song from the various decades.
“We’re dressed in retro costumes from the 1960s and performed to the Muda Mudi song,” Howard said of his contingent’s 40 members.
The state Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Ministry contingent was also dressed in colourful vintage clothes from the 1960s.
“We want to show our unity in diversity through our performance, which is accompanied by Let’s Twist Again,” contingent leader Jimmy Salau said.
The Federation of Orang Ulu Associations of Sarawak Malaysia (Forum) marching in traditional attire.
He said the contingent’s 41 members practised for a month but it was mostly through WhatsApp as they were busy with their various duties.
Contingent member Karen Lahong said this was her first time participating in a parade.
“I feel proud as a Sarawakian to be part of this special occasion. It’s great to see everyone united and celebrating together,” she said.
Also taking part for the first time was a contingent comprising local media personnel.
“It is truly an honour to be included in this parade,” Kuching Division Journalists Association president Ronnie Teo said.
He said it was great to see journalists of different ages, experience and backgrounds, from broadcast, print and digital to radio and film, coming together in a united front to celebrate Sarawak’s 60th anniversary.
“KDJA hopes that our Sarawak media contingent captured the essence of harmony and unity, reflective of what makes us truly Malaysian.
Members of state youth organisation Saberkas carrying old and current Sarawak flags during the parade.
“We hope the media will continue to work hard for the local community, not just in the capacity of news reporting but also community building, charity work and social awareness,” he added.
Special contingents comprising military veterans and security and civil defence force members added to the spectacle.
The celebration began with the entrance of the Sarawak Merdeka convoy, which began its journey in Lawas on May 28 and travelled across the state before arriving in Kuching.
Convoy leader Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu, the state Deputy Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Minister, handed over the Sarawak flag to the Royal Malaysian Navy for the flag-raising ceremony, accompanied by the state anthem Ibu Pertiwiku.
The contingents then marched around Padang Merdeka, after which 2,000 participants carrying gold umbrellas formed the number 60 on the field.
The festivities continued in the evening with a concert at Padang Merdeka, which drew a crowd of over 30,000 people.
Indonesian rock band Ungu was one of biggest attractions of the concert, which also featured veteran rocker Datuk Awie as well as Sarawakian and national artistes.
The evening concluded with a fireworks display.
