KUCHING, March 24 — Nine large-scale events have been planned to be held in conjunction with Sarawak Merdeka’s 60th Anniversary Celebration this year, said Sarawak’s Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah today.
He said the Sarawak Merdeka Convoy across 12 divisions of the state will be the first major event of the celebration themed ‘Sarawak Maju Makmur’ which will start on May 28 in Limbang and end in Kuching on July 22.
“The Premier of Sarawak (Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg) has agreed to join the second stage (Merdeka convoy) from Miri to Bintulu either by motorbike or car starting June 10,” he told a press conference here today.
He said the second event is the Sarawak 60 Years Digital Exhibition which will be held in all divisions and tour with the travelling convoy starting from May 28 until July 22 in addition to the Thanksgiving ceremonies at mosques and houses of worship throughout the state on July 21.
A giant gathering and parade at Padang Merdeka here on July 22 starting at 8.30 am will be the highlight of the celebration, followed by the presentation of commemorative medals on the same day to individuals who have fought for the development of Sarawak throughout its six decades of independence.
Abdul Karim said that in the evening of the same day, a state banquet in conjunction with the celebration will be held at the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN) building here, in addition to the ‘Konsert Rakyat’ and fireworks display at Padang Merdeka here starting at 8 pm.
He added that the celebration will also be graced with a parade of decorated boats on the Kuching Bank on July 29, in addition to Street Parade performances that will be held in the city on Aug 5, Sibu (Aug 12) and Miri (Aug 19).
