Setting the stage: Azlin and Nazarida adjusting the Jalur Gemilang at the Indoor Stadium in Kuching ahead of rehearsals for the Malaysia Day celebration. — ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE/The Star
KUCHING: Dancers Azlin Rebi and Nazarida Kamal are looking forward to performing at the Malaysia Day celebration at the Indoor Stadium here.
“I’m proud and excited to be part of a performance that will be watched by the whole country,” Azlin said when met during rehearsals yesterday.
Nazarida added that they will be performing the traditional dances of Sarawak’s various ethnic groups.
Besides Sarawakian performers, dance troupes from Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah will also take part in the celebration.
The Indoor Stadium was a hive of activity as preparations were made for the celebration, including putting up flags.
Sarawak is hosting the national-level Malaysia Day celebration this year with the theme “Malaysia Madani: Tekad Perpaduan Penuhi Harapan”.
State Utility and Telecommunications Minister Datuk Julaihi Narawi, who is in charge of the celebration, previously said it was a great honour for Sarawak to be chosen as the host.
“Sarawak is always held up as an excellent example of the spirit of unity. Recently, the slogan ‘Segulai Sejalai’ was chosen because we are always united and in agreement on defending unity,” he was reported as saying.
The guests of honour include acting Sarawak Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tan Sri Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
The celebration will kick off with a pre-show event at 7pm and start officially at 8.30pm.
Highlights include the raising of the Jalur Gemilang, the signing of the Malaysia Day special book and a musical titled “Segulai Sejalai”, an Iban phrase which translates as “together in unity”.
On June 7, Anwar had said that Segulai Sejalai would be adopted as the nationwide slogan for unity.
