ENGROSSED: The Head of State (left) and Jabu checking out a race with their powerful binoculars from the main stage.
MARUDI: The visit by the Sultan of Brunei, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, to Marudi today for the Baram Regatta is considered a great honour for the country and the people.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu Numpang, who is also the Minister in-charge of the Baram Regatta, said the visit further showed that the historical Baram Regatta could continue to serve as a vital platform to unite the people, both within and outside Baram.
“Sultan Abu Bakar of Pahang came for the Baram Regatta before, so this shows that it could be a focal point to unite the people and promote the rich cultural heritage, in line with the theme of the regatta – Our Culture, Heritage, Peace and Unity, and also with the 1Malaysia concept,” he said.
Jabu said this at the final of `Baram Idol 2011 and preliminary round of `Ratu Baram Regatta 2011’ at Marudi Town Square on Friday evening.
He added that the regatta also served as a great platform for a myriad of healthy competitions and business developments.
Earlier, the regatta’s organising chairman Datuk Sylvester Entri Muran said `Baram Idol’ would continue to feature in future Baram Regattas.
“The Baram Idol, particularly with its new format, had enabled those interested in singing from throughout Sarawak to take part in the competition.
“At the same time, it also enabled recording companies to scout for talents and groom them to become famous singers one day,” he enthused.