In perfect harmony: Juhar (third from left) belting out two songs at the Sabah Day celebration at Padang Merdeka.
KOTA KINABALU: Head of state Tun Juhar Mahiruddin set the mood for Sabah Day through his passion: music.
He took to the stage to perform two songs – the first was his favourite, Frank Sinatra’s My Way, followed by the patriotic anthem Sejahtera Malaysia.
As the final notes of Sejahtera Malaysia echoed through the venue, Juhar led thousands of spectators in a rousing rendition of the song alongside dignitaries on stage.
The song was performed twice to elevate the celebratory atmosphere.
Juhar was accompanied on stage by Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, his three deputies Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan, Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam and Datuk Shahelmey Yahya, as well as Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick and other officials.
This year marked the state government’s first official celebration of Sabah Day, reflecting on its independence from British rule on Aug 31, 1963.
It was held at the city’s historic Padang Merdeka on Saturday, where the formation of Malaysia was declared 61 years ago.
People from all walks of life joined the celebrations, waving mini Malaysia and Sabah flags as they sang along, creating a sea of unity and national pride.
A series of performances, including singing and dancing, along with historical exhibits at various booths, were also featured.
People flocked to the area well prepared, with some bringing mats and food, while others enjoyed refreshments from stalls.
Some even carried boxes to create makeshift seating areas for their loved ones.
The event culminated in 16 colourful floats, which were decorated in the spirit of the theme “Sabah My Homeland, Sabah Independent State” – a concept highlighting the state’s beauty, from its flora and fauna to the underwater world.
