The close relationship among Sarawak, Sabah and Peninsular Malaysia was clearly evident at the 57th Malaysia Day celebration at the Sibu Indoor Stadium here last night despite being held under the new normal due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The event officiated by the Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Sarawak Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud was attended by 500 invitees to comply with the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) set by the Ministry of Health (MOH).
The highlight of the event with the theme 'Malaysia Prihatin' (Malaysia Cares) was the combination of live and digital performances.
Among the itinerary was the signing of the 'Malaysia Day Book' by Sabah Minister of Law and Native Affairs Datuk Aidi Moktar representing the Chief Minister of Sabah, followed by Sarawak Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg and Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, witnessed by Abdul Taib.
The ceremony to raise the Jalur Gemilang by 13 members of the Royal Malaysian Navy, meanwhile, was accompanied by the singing of the national anthem and song - 'Keranamu Malaysia'.
A special performance by guest artistes from Sarawak, Sabah and the Peninsula, namely Dayang Nurfaizah, Adira, and Hael Husaini accompanied by 12 dancers from the Aszarie Dancing Group, also stole the hearts of the audience.
A screening of the video 'Kita Malaysian' then moved the audience and ignited the spirit of patriotism and love for the country.
The video portrayed the values of friendship, humanity, honesty, love, mutual respect and patriotic spirit regardless of racial, religious and cultural differences.
The celebration continued with a mini orchestral performance of the songs 'Kawan Setia' - depicting the value of friendship that should be appreciated; and a re-composed version of Wawasan Berkikis Bulu Betis - on the development that has been enjoyed by the people as well as advice to the younger generation for achieving their goals.
The performance entitled 'Soul of Sarawak' - a dance performed by 20 artistes from the Sarawak Department of Culture and Arts (JKKN) - showcased the uniqueness of cultural diversity in Sarawak, which symbolises the solidarity, harmony and strength of the people in the state.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Thu Sep 17 2020
The highlight of the event with the theme 'Malaysia Prihatin' (Malaysia Cares) was the combination of live and digital performances - Jabatan Penerangan Malaysia
Is climate change making tropical storms more frequent? Scientists say it's unclear
Scientists say it remains unclear how much climate change is reshaping the storm season.
Samples obtained by Chinese spacecraft show moon's ancient volcanism
The material provides new insight into the moon's geological history including the oldest evidence to date of lunar volcanism.
The scamdemic targeting the young and vulnerable
Teenagers and young adults are becoming prime targets for a new wave of cyber scams, a trend raising alarm bells across Southeast Asia.
Japanese manicurist takes on plastic pollution, one nail at a time
Before global leaders address plastic pollution, a Japanese manicurist highlights the issue by incorporating it into her nail designs.
What to watch for ahead of US presidential inauguration
Here's a timeline of events between now and inauguration day.
The battle to reduce road deaths
In Malaysia, over half a million road accidents have been recorded so far this year.
Pro-Palestinian NGOs seek court order to stop Dutch arms exports to Israel
The Dutch state, as a signatory to the 1948 Genocide Convention, has a duty to take all reasonable measures at its disposal to prevent genocide.
How quickly can Trump's Musk-led efficiency panel slash US regulations?
Moves by Trump and his appointees to eliminate existing rules will be met with legal challenges, as many progressive groups and Democratic officials have made clear.
2TM: Consultations on PTPTN loans, admission to IPTA at MOHE booth
Consultations on PTPTN loans and admission to IPTA are among services provided at the Higher Education Ministry booth.
Kampung Tanjung Kala residents affected by flooded bridge every time it rains heavily
Almost 200 residents from 60 homes in Kampung Tanjung Kala have ended up stuck when their 200-metre (m) long concrete bridge flooded.
COP29 climate summit draft proposes rich countries pay $250 billion per year
The draft finance deal criticised by both developed and developing nations.
Bomb squad sent to London's Gatwick Airport after terminal evacuation
This was following the discovery of a suspected prohibited item in luggage.
Kelantan urges caution amidst northeast monsoon rains
Kelantan has reminded the public in the state to refrain from outdoor activities with the arrival of the Northeast Monsoon season.
Former New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern receives UN leadership award
Former New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern was given a global leadership award by the United Nations Foundation.
ICC'S arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Gallant an apt decision - PM
The decision of the ICC to issue arrest warrants against Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant is apt, said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
KTMB provides two additional ETS trains for Christmas, school holidays
KTMB will provide two additional ETS trains for the KL Sentral-Padang Besar route and return trips in conjunction with the holidays.
BNM'S international reserves rise to USD118 bil as at Nov 15, 2024
Malaysia's international reserves rose to US$118.0 billion as at Nov 15, 2024, up from US$117.6 billion on Oct 30, 2024.
Findings by dark energy researchers back Einstein's conception of gravity
The findings announced are part of a years-long study of the history of the cosmos focusing upon dark energy.
NRES responds to Rimbawatch press release on COP29
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) wishes to offer the following clarifications to the issues raised.
Online Safety Bill and Anti-Cyberbullying Laws must carefully balance rights and protections
The Online Safety Advocacy Group (OSAG) stands united with people in Malaysia in the fight against serious online harms.