Sibu to host Sarawak-level National Day Celebration 2024 themed ‘Jiwa Merdeka’ on Aug 30-31

Sikie (seated, fourth right), Dr Annuar (fourth left), Hamdan (third right), and other officials in a group photo after a press conference for the Sarawak Level National Day Celebration 2024 held in Sibu on Aug 8, 2024. Photo credit: Ukas

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, Aug 8: Sibu Division is set to host the Sarawak-level National Day Celebration 2024, themed ‘Jiwa Merdeka’, on Aug 30 and Aug 31.

According to a Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas) news report, Minister in the Premier’s Department, Dato Sri John Sikie Tayai, stated that the theme is significant, emphasising the importance of instilling the spirit of independence in all aspects of life.

Sikie, who is also the Minister In-Charge of the Sarawak-level National Day Celebration 2024, said that ‘Jiwa Merdeka’ reflects the spirit and strength that have driven the nation towards independence.

“It is a symbol of the courage and resilience of the heroes who sacrificed everything to ensure that we can enjoy freedom and dignity as a sovereign nation,” he was quoted as saying.

Sikie made these remarks in a press conference for the Sarawak Level National Day Celebration 2024 held today in Sibu.

The minister further detailed that the main events of the celebration will span from Aug 30 to Aug 31, organised by the Sarawak Protocol, Ceremonies, and Event Management Unit (UPPANS) as the main organiser.

“The first event is the National Day Eve Concert on Aug 30, starting at 8pm at Dataran Tun Tuanku Bujang, Sibu.

“Various contents have been arranged, including creative ethnic performances by D’Sibu Tari. It will also be accompanied by pop and jazz music performances by the Sarawak State Symphony Orchestra (SONS),” he said.

Additionally, popular local artists such as Floor 88, Firdaus Materang, Ng Chien Chien, Sazia Selair, and Mal Imran will grace the stage.

“We are targeting about 5,000 people to attend this National Day Eve concert, and we want the involvement of all quarters of society, regardless of age and race,” the minister added.

The second highlight, according to Sikie, is the Fun Walk on Aug 31, commencing at 7am from Dataran Tun Tuanku Bujang.

The 2.4-kilometre walk is expected to attract around 5,000 participants, with the special presence of Sarawak Head of State (TYT) Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and his wife, Toh Puan Fauziah Mohd Sanusi.

The final event is the National Day Assembly on Aug 31, starting at 11am at Dewan Canselor Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud, University of Technology Sarawak (UTS).

“The main event on Aug 31 is expected to be graced by Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi and Toh Puan Fauziah.

“Also expected to be present are the Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, and his wife, Puan Sri Datuk Amar Juma’ani Tun Tuanku Bujang, Sarawak Cabinet members, and other distinguished guests,” Sikie noted.

The Sarawak Level National Day Celebration 2024 will be broadcast live on TVS channel 122 Astro and MyTV, as well as on the Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS) Facebook page and UKAS Channel on YouTube.

Also present at the conference were Sarawak Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation, and Talent Development (MEITD), Datuk Dr Annuar Rapa’ee, Sibu Division Resident, Abang Mohamad Porkan Abang Budiman, Director of UPPANS, Hamdan Sharbini, and other government officials. — DayakDaily