KOTA KINABALU: Kota Belud-born singer Gary Chaw is among the 1,373 individuals honoured during the 71st birthday celebration of Sabah Yang Di-Pertua Negeri Tun Juhar Mahiruddin on Saturday (Oct 5).
The Sabahan artist, known for his Mandopop and R&B hits in Taiwan, was awarded the Ahli Setia Darjah Kinabalu (ASDK), Sabah's third highest honour.
He was one of six Sabahan artists recognised, along with Kadazandusun singer Evaristus Gungkit, who received the Panglima Gemilang Darjah Kinabalu (PGDK), the second highest honour, which includes the title "Datuk". The other four artists, Elixa Paujin, Marsha Milan Londoh, Rosario Bianis, and Velvet Aduk, were awarded the Ahli Darjah Kinabalu (ADK).
Additionally, five media practitioners received honours, with two, Star senior news editor Philip Golingai and Sabah Borneo Post chief editor Chiu Nai Wen, being conferred the PGDK. TV3’s Mohammed Yazzer Mahmun received the ASDK, RTM Sabah current news assistant director Razali Baba received the ADK, and TVS reporter Fardy Bungga was awarded the Bintang Setia Kinabalu (BSK).
Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg led the list of state award recipients, being one of four honoured with the Seri Panglima Darjah Kinabalu (SPDK), Sabah's highest honour, which carries the title "Datuk Seri Panglima". The other SPDK recipients were Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew, Inspector General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain, and shipping businessman Datuk Kumar Prabakaran.
A total of 87 individuals received the PGDK, including politicians like Assistant Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Minister Peto Galim, Assistant Finance Minister Tan Lee Fatt, Tanjung Kapur assemblyman Ben Chong, Sabah PAS commissioner Aliakbar Gulasan, Parti Bersatu Sabah Wanita chief Datin Malianah Ugau, and several others.
Also honoured with the PGDK were Community Development and People’s Wellbeing Ministry permanent secretary Maria Chong, and others like Tourism, Culture Environment Ministry's Josie Lai Mei Sing, Sabah Public Works Department director Philemon Lajawai, and Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association Women Council chairman Joanna Kitingan, among others.
Chief Syarie Judge of Sabah Ahadin Arinen and Catholic priest Reverend Father Felix Chung Chi Lok were also awarded the PGDK.
Seven individuals were named Justices of the Peace, including Sabah Deputy Chief Minister II Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam, Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick, and Universiti Malaysia Sabah vice-chancellor Datuk Kassim Mansor.
Overall, 116 people will receive the ASDK, 274 will receive the ADK, 320 will get the BSK, 421 will receive the Bintang Kinabalu, and 144 will receive the Certificate of Honour.
The investiture ceremony was held at the Istana Kinabalu, with attendance from Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor and wife Datin Seri Julia Salag, along with other senior government officials.
