Konsert Rakyat, Raja Kita exhibition among highlights of S’wak-level Agong birthday celebration in Betong

Dato Sri John Sikie Tayai

By Doreen Ling

KUCHING, May 25: A host of activities has been lined up for the Sarawak-level celebration of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s birthday, which will be held in Betong from June 11 to 15.

According to Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department Dato Sri John Sikie Tayai, who is also the minister responsible for the event, from June 11-14, there will be the Raja Kita exhibition at the grounds of the Tan Sri Datuk Amar Stephen Kalong Ningkan Sports Complex.

“This exhibition will highlight the history, role, and significance of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong institution in Malaysia’s system of government. It will run daily from 8am to 10pm and is expected to attract 10,000 visitors,” he said during a press conference in which his text speech was later made available to the media.

Running concurrently in the same venue is the Betong Kitchen Food Festival, which promises to showcase local and traditional cuisine while promoting the culinary heritage of the local community, with a target of 10,000 visitors.

On June 12, there will be a special Friday sermon in mosques throughout Sarawak which will emphasise loyalty to leaders, unity, harmony among Muslims, and prayers for the well-being of Malaysia and Sarawak.

The following day (June 13) will see an interfaith thanksgiving ceremony at Dewan Panglima Rentap, officiated by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg as a symbol of Sarawak’s religious harmony and unity.

“Cultural performances are to be expected, and we are targeting 400 guests at the event,” said Sikie.

Later on in the day will be a thanksgiving ceremony at Masjid Jamek Betong to be attended by Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Sarawak, Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, and Toh Puan Fauziah Mohd Sanusi.

The programme will include congregational prayers, Surah Yasin recitation, prayers for wellbeing, and a religious talk focusing on gratitude, unity, and loyalty to leadership, with an expected attendance of 750 people.

On June 14, there will be an official tea reception at the Tan Sri Datuk Amar Stephen Kalong Ningkan Sports Complex, where leaders, civil servants, and the community will gather.

It will begin with a visit to the Raja Kita Exhibition by Wan Junaidi and Fauziah, accompanied by Abang Johari. The programme will also feature a reception, cultural performances, a special video presentation, a ceremonial cutting of pulut kuning (yellow glutinous rice), and the presentation of contributions.

Closing out the celebration will be the Konsert Rakyat, which will also be held at the Tan Sri Datuk Amar Stephen Kalong Ningkan Sports Complex.

With about 5,000 people expected to attend, the concert will feature local talents, popular Malaysian artists, cultural performances, and a fireworks display.

“The Sarawak government is calling on the people of Sarawak, especially residents of Betong and surrounding areas, to participate in the celebration,” he said. — DayakDaily