Members of a traditional troupe perform a special welcome dance for the VIPs upon their arrival at Serian Community Hall.
OUR RULER: Cultural performers Nursharmilya Amira Anuar (left) and Hartinah Abdullah take a closer look at a panel that displays photos and background of the reigning Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah at the special ‘Raja Kita’ exhibition in Serian Community Hall yesterday. — Photo by Muhamad Rais Sanusi
SERIAN: It was a treat for 150 less fortunate members of society here as they received contributions from Yang di-Pertua Negeri (TYT) Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud during a high tea gathering yesterday held in conjunction with the state-level celebration of Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s birthday at Serian Community Hall.
Each of the recipients comprising senior citizens, the disabled and single mothers was given RM100 and a hamper.
Taib and his wife Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Raghad Kurdi Taib were accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and wife Datin Amar Doreen Lee, as well as Youth, Sports and Solidarity Minister Dato Sri Michael Manyin and wife Datin Sri Mary Manyin on stage during the presentation.
This division had been chosen to host the state-level celebration this year with over 1,000 people comprising members of the state cabinet, senior government officials, local leaders, invited guests and also locals turning up.
There was also a cake-cutting ceremony performed by Taib and Raghad with other dignitaries looking on.
Those attending were treated to food and drinks and a host of entertainment and cultural performances.
Later, Taib proceeded to launch the special ‘Raja Kita’ (Our King) exhibition showcasing the history, background and information on the nation’s constitutional monarchy.
State Secretary Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohammad Morshidi Abdul Ghani, Public Utilities Minister Datuk Dr Stephen Rundi, Local Government Minister Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian, Assistant Minister for Resource Planning Datuk Mohd Naroden Majais, Assistant Minister for Public Utilities (Water Supply) Datuk Roland Sagah Wee Inn, as well as former deputy chief minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu and wife Dato Sri Empiang Jabu, were among the dignitaries at the event.
Taib, accompanied by Manyin and Uggah, tours the ‘Raja Kita’ exhibition.
Taib, flanked by Raghad and Manyin, presents aid to recipients.