Merdeka convoy in Sg Ulu Yong amplifies message of independence

KAPIT (Sept 10): The ‘Kembara Merdeka Jalur Gemilang’ at the 49-door Rumah Manok Manchal in Sungai Ulu Yong near here last weekend amplified the message of importance for every Malaysian to uphold and treasure the spirit of independence.

The programme involved 33 participants, led by Information Department Sarawak assistant director Rozzilawadi Nur Aziz, who travelled on board seven vehicles.

According to Rozzilawadi, the convoy kicked off in Kuching and after this Kapit leg, it would proceed to Kanowit, Sibu, Mukah, Matu-Dairo, Dalat, Julau, Meradong, Sarikei, Lubok Antu and Betong, before concluding the journey in Sri Aman in time for the state-level Malaysia Day 2024 celebration on Sept 16.

“For the Kapit leg, the JKKK (village security and development committee) of Rumah Manok Manchal was the host. Various activities were carried out for the participants and visitors, who also included other JKKKs from many communities along Sungai Yong.

“Listed in the programme line-up were a health talk, a demonstration on fire safety and prevention, a ‘gotong-royong’ (work party), some cooking demonstrations, as well as distribution of Jalur Gemilang and state flags to the public,” she said.

Watson Awan Jalai, a political secretary to the Premier, officiated at the event on behalf of Deputy Minister in Premier’s Department Datuk Jefferson Jamit, who is Bukit Goram assemblyman.

In his remarks, Watson said the ‘Kembara Merdeka Jalur Gemilang’ organised by the state Information Department was one of the programmes being run in connection with the annual National Month, running from July 22 until Sept 16.

“However, these are more than just programmes; they are intended to inculcate in all of us the spirit of love and patriotism to the country.

“As citizens, our core duties are to stay loyal to the country, to stay united, to ensure unity in our communities, as well as to uphold political stability so that our leader can truly focus on realising the national agenda of developing our country.

“In celebrating our independence, we must remember and honour the contributions of our past freedom fighters, especially those who had served in the security forces like the Sarawak Iban Trackers, Sarawak Ranger, the police and the army.

“They had sacrificed so much in building the foundation of the country and safeguarding peace,” he said.

Later, Watson on behalf of Jamit announced a government allocation of RM10,000 for Rumah Manok’s JKKK.

Rumah Manok Women’s Bureau chief Mary Jalak and local community leaders Pemanca Wong Kie Ing, Pemanca Abang Hamzah Bolhassan and Pemanca Pasang Tubak were also present at the event.