Celebration of Sultan Ibrahim’s birthday in Sarawak highlights royal legacy, unity

KOTA SAMARAHAN (Sept 7): The Sarawak-level celebration of the official birthday of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia was held as a mark of appreciation and honour as the nation’s head of state, said Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi.

According to a Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas) report, Julaihi, who is minister in charge of the celebrations, said the King plays a crucial role and symbolises racial unity in Malaysia, especially in Sarawak.

“It signifies that Sarawak, as one of the regions in Malaysia, views the role of His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong (King) as a symbol of unity for all ethnic groups in our country, especially in Sarawak,” he said after a high tea reception for the Official Birthday Celebration of Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia at Dewan DeTAR in Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) today.

He added that the celebration also provided an opportunity for many Sarawakian to become more familiar with the Royal Family and the artifacts used in the National Palace through an exhibition in Kota Samarahan.

Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, and his wife, Toh Puan Fauziah Mohd Sanusi, graced the occasion.

Also present were Sarawak 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 Prof Dr Sim Kui Hian, Deputy State Secretary (Economic Planning and Development) Datu Dr Muhammad Abdullah Zaidel, Sarawak Deputy Ministers, and other invited guests.

The screening of the video ‘Tuanku Payung Mahkota’ was a special feature during the event.

The special video, produced by the Sarawak Broadcasting Department, highlighted significant moments in the life of Sultan Ibrahim, including his birth on November 22,1958 and his marriage to Raja Permaisuri Agong, Raja Zarith Sofiah, on September 22, 1982.

The six-minute video also featured the proclamation of Sultan Ibrahim as the Sultan of Johor o January 23, 2010, the swearing-in and signing of the Oath of Office as the 17th Yang di-Pertuan Agong on January 31 this year, and the official installation ceremony at Istana Negara on July 20.

The event continued with a ceremonial cutting of the Kek Pulut Kuning led by Wan Junaidi and his wife, followed by the screening of a special music video featuring songs performed by Bob Yusuf and Camelia.

Guests were also entertained with musical performances by guest singers Firdaus Materang, Hijrah Yahya, and Valerie Thiam Mei Lee, accompanied by musicians from the Sarawak Arts Council.

For the record, Kota Samarahan hosted the Sarawak-level celebrations of the Official Birthday Celebration of Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia until Sept 8.