500 attend tea reception to mark Agong’s birthday

KOTA SAMARAHAN: The screening of the video ‘Tuanku Payung Mahkota’ was one of the special highlights at the tea reception in conjunction with the official birthday of Yang Di-Pertuan Agong at the Sarawak state level.

The special video, produced by the Radio Televisyen Malaysa (RTM) Sarawak, was shown on the main screen at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) on Saturday.

Julaihi speaks to the reporters.

It featured significant events in the life of Sultan Ibrahim, including his birth on Nov 22, 1958, and his marriage to Raja Permaisuri Agong, Raja Zarith Sofiah, on Sept 22, 1982.

The six-minute video also highlighted Sultan Ibrahim’s proclamation as the Sultan of Johor on Jan 23, 2010, the oath and signing ceremony as the 17th Yang di-Pertuan Agong on Jan 31, and the coronation ceremony at Istana Negara on July 20, 2024.

The event, attended by more than 500 guests, was officiated by the Head of State, Tun Pehin Sri Dr. Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, accompanied by his wife, Toh Puan Fauziah Mohd Sanusi.

Also present were the Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and his wife, Puan Sri Datuk Amar Juma’ani Tun Tuanku Bujang, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr. Sim Kui Hian, and the Minister of Utility and Telecommunications cum the Responsible Minister for the Celebration, Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi.

Speaking to the media after the event, Julaihi said the tea reception was attended by around 600 invitees from the Samarahan area.

“The Head of State also had the opportunity to view the royal exhibition displayed at the Unimas Gallery along with the Premier. This exhibition holds important information, especially regarding the royal family’s background.

“This shows that Sarawak, as a state in Malaysia, also recognises the role of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong as the head of state and a symbol of unity for all Malaysians of various ethnicities, especially in Sarawak,” he said.

Additionally, he mentioned that the “Our King” exhibition held at Summer Mall, Kota Samarahan, which also coincided with the celebration, attracted the local community, particularly in the Samarahan area.

Wan Junaidi (centre) and his wife, Fauziah (fifth right) performs the yellow glutinous rice-cutting ceremony together with Abang Johari (fifth left), his wife Ju’maani (fourth right) and other dignitaries.

“I was informed that on the launching day (Sept 5), visitors showed great interest in the ‘Our King’ exhibition, and it will continue until Sept 8 (Sunday).

“I am confident that it will attract even more visitors, especially in the Samarahan area, as this exhibition is rarely held in Sarawak, and it is a unique experience that we can share with the people of the state,” he added.

Earlier, the event commenced with the ‘Ibu Pertiwiku’ anthem, followed by the ‘Selamat Datang’ dance performance by Petra Dancers under the supervision of the Sarawak Arts Council (MSS) and a prayer recitation led by the State Chief Imam, Datuk Mustapha Kamal Ahmad Fauzi.

The event continued with a yellow glutinous rice-cutting ceremony by Wan Junaidi and his wife, followed by a video presentation of a special song performed by Bob Yusuf and Camelia.

While the guests were being served, they were also entertained by guest singers Firdaus Materang, Hijrah Yahya, and Valerie Thiam Mei Lee, accompanied by musicians under the guidance of MSS.