Thousands throng Padang Merdeka for TYT’s birthday celebration parade

KUCHING (Oct 13): It takes a special kind of dedication to rise at the crack of dawn on a Saturday, but that was what crowds did as early as 7am for the 78th birthday celebration parade of Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar at Padang Merdeka here today.

Traffic in the surrounding area was congested but families cheerfully made their way on foot to secure a spot at the nearby streets and grassy areas from the square to the Borneo Cultures Museum for the event — the first for Wan Junaidi since he assumed the post of Head of State.

Thousands of participants were neatly organised into contingents, as they awaited the arrival of the distinguished guests.

Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and his wife Puan Sri Datuk Amar Juma’ani Tun Tuanku Bujang arrived five minutes before the start of the parade.

The man of the hour didn’t keep his loyal audience waiting for long, as before the top of the hour, Wan Junaidi’s car pulled up in front of the grandstand and he stepped out alongside his wife Toh Puan Fauziah Mohd Sanusi, who was adorned in a beautiful keringkam.

They were greeted by Abang Johari and Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, who was the minister-in-charge of the parade.

The event commenced with a ceremonial salute by the 20th Battalion of the Royal Malay Regiment, comprising 103 members led by Major Mohamad Yunus. They were accompanied by the 40 members of the Royal Malaysia Police Band, led by band director Insp Frankie Billie Tadius, with Drum Major Ghazali Bujang assisting.

Wan Junaidi then inspected the guard-of-honour, shortly after which the state anthem ‘Ibu Pertiwiku’ was sung and a powerful 17-gun salute echoed across the city.

He then proceeded to inspect the assembled contingents from a royal car, with Abang Johari accompanying him.

After the premier delivered his address, the celebration continued with performances by Sarawakian artiste Bob Yusof, who was accompanied by the Sarawak Arts Council choir, followed by a symbolic cake-cutting ceremony for the Governor’s birthday; accompanied by the crowd chanting ‘Dirgahayu’ three times.

After a special video presentation came the highlight of the event — the parade.

The contingents were accompanied by a combined band from the 1st Division and Kuching North City Council band.

All contingents, either donning cultural costumes or uniforms complete with props, demonstrated pure dedication even under the sweltering sun.

Adding more merriment to the festivities were several interludes held throughout the parade, including a performance of ‘Segulai Sejalai’, which showcased a blend of ethnic dances from the Iban, Bidayuh, Orang Ulu, Melanau, Malay and Chinese communities.

The event concluded with a finale performance of ‘Kenangan Lalu Mengusik Jiwa’.

Wan Junaidi and his wife later departed to enthusiastic cheers from the crowd, leaving Padang Merdeka marked by footprints and heavy equipment that would be cleared over the weekend, and time to reflect for all those who attended.