The oath-taking ceremony led by James Jimbun. — Photos by James Ling
An Iban cultural presentation taking place on the parade ground.
Actors depicting the struggles of nation’s pioneers who fought for independence.
KAPIT: This normally quiet town came alive yesterday when about 2,500 people representing schools, government departments, uniformed bodies, and non-governmental organisations converged at the stadium for the state-level 57th National Day celebration.
The town was jam-packed with people, the narrow streets were crammed with vehicles, and residential houses, government buildings, and commercial premises flew the state and national flags.
The gathering was made grandiose with the presence of Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib and his wife Toh Puan Ragad Kurdi Taib, Chief Minister
Tan Sri Datuk Amar Adenan Satem and his wife Puan Sri Dato
Jamilah Anu, celebration organising chairman Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Jemut Masing, Speaker Datuk Amar Mohd Asfia Awang Nassar and Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred JabuNumpang.
The stadium was a scene of colour as the Chinese, Malays, and Dayaks showed off their traditional dances. Contingents from the army and police, among others, also contributed their bit after Adenan addressed the crowd.
One of the highlights in the stadium was the oath taking led by Temenggong Datuk James Jimbun Punggat. With him were Temenggong Tan Kian Hoo, Temenggong Datuk Kenneth Kanyan, TemenggongAjang Serik and former Sarawak Rangers.
There was also a memorable scene presented by the 3rd Brigade Rangers from Oya Camp. Their act was called ‘Warrior Battle Dance’.
The air of festivity here started on Saturday, which saw more than 300 people taking part in ‘Larian Merdeka’. Then there were the ‘Kembara Merdeka’, and thanks-giving prayers at Masjid Jabar An-Nur.
There was also a power boat racing yesterday, and the event attracted a huge crowd to the waterfront.
Ketua Kampung Osman Jau from Long Nanyan in Belaga told The Borneo Post that he came down here specifically to witness the celebration.
“I want to personally feel the atmosphere of the celebration. As a community leader, it is my wish for the government to implement more development projects for my people in the rural interior so that we too can enjoy the fruits of development like those in the urban areas.”
Temenggong Ajang Sirek and Pemanca Tony Kullah also let a group of Belaga folk here to enjoy the celebration.
Iban chief Temenggong Datuk Kenneth Kanyan said, “We are indeed very honoured to participate in this year Merdeka celebration.
“I appeal to all Malaysians to safeguard the prevailing unity, harmony, and respect for each other. Together we can move forward for greater development,” he said.