Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing
BINTULU: The drums of the Malaysia Day celebration are beating, and Bintulu MP Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing on Friday called on townsfolk to make the nationwide celebration centred here their pride and joy.
In a press statement received here, Tiong, who is also chairman of BN Backbenchers’ Council and a Justice of Peace, said this was to keep up with the momentum of national development since the formation of the Federation of Malaysia 49 years ago.
He said the people of Sarawak, comprising over 25 ethnic groups, had been the model of national harmony, helped the state benefit from national development programmes.
“This is what the Malaysia Day celebration will focus on in Bintulu. I call on townsfolk and the people of Sarawak to be a part of this national pride. Come, celebrate with us.”
Tiong said prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak would be in town together with other state and federal dignitaries to celebrate the occasion with the people.
Among those present will be Head of State Tun Datuk Patinggi Abang Muhammad Salahuddin and wife Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Norkiah.
Their Excellencies will be welcomed by Najib and his deputy Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud, Information Communication and Culture Minister Dato Seri Utama Dr Rais Yatim, their spouses and other federal and state ministers.
Tiong said Bintulu, as a booming industrial town, had contributed to national development, and the eyes of the nation would turn to the town during the celebration as a heartbeat of national development.
“I am calling on the townsfolk to be there for the main celebration, the Malaysia Day Concert at the old airport this Sunday night.”
The Bintulu MP said Sept 16 would commemorate the unity, harmony and prosperity of the nation through the 1Malaysia programmes.
He said the national spirit was at such height that not even the South China Sea could separate this unified ideology of the people.
“The people of Bintulu, as the host of this national celebration, will reach out with friendship and warm hospitality. Welcome to Bintulu.”
Meanwhile, the oil and gas town has geared up for the celebration; most shops and government buildings are flying the Jalur Gemilang and workers at the old airport site – the celebration centre – are putting up the finishing touches.
Information Communication and Culture Minister Dato Seri Utama Dr Rais Yatim, the minister in charge of the event, will deliver his welcoming speech followed by a speech by Taib and a video presentation on the development of Malaysia.
Najib will deliver his keynote address before the head of state graces the opening ceremony.
Among the night’s events are the presentation of awards to three outstanding Malaysians and the Malaysia Book of Records certificate to the organiser of Twitter # Merdeka in conjunction with the 55th Merdeka Day celebrations in Kuala Lumpur.
A special presentation themed ‘Janji Ditepati’ will be staged before the night sky over Bintulu is illuminated with a fireworks display.
On his arrival in Bintulu, Najib will proceed to Kampung Assyakirin to attend a Hari Raya gathering and meet the people. Taib and Najib are expected to address the crowd at the open house.