Yii (eighth from right), with Ting on his left, joins others on stage to shout ‘Happy Sarawak Day’ amidst heavy rain.
Members of Chai Yun Fai Cultural Troupe performs a Korean-inspired show called ‘The Love of Drums’.
Spectators on their seats before the downpour.
MIRI: It was a colourful celebration on the eve of the inaugural Sarawak Day at Miri City Council (MCC) field here on Thursday night, despite thousands of spectators having to brave the downpour before the countdown.
Piasau assemblyman Datuk Sebastian Ting, Mayor Adam Yii Siew Sang who was the organising chairman, deputy Miri Resident Abdul Aziz Yusuf and members of the Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) were among the turnout at the event, which was run by SUPP Miri and Sibuti Parliamentary Liaison Committee.
The heavy rain — the first came at 7pm while the next, minutes to midnight — might have been the key reason as to why the crowd did not reach the initial 10,000-spectator.
Still, the event went on with much excitement — as if the rain did not matter at all.
The crowd was entertained by various performances by local bands and artistes, as well as showcases by dance troupes including the award-winning Sanggar Budaya under Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Sarawak and JW KRT Taman Hilltop — all of which highlighted Sarawak’s diversity in unity.
In his remarks, Yii was happy that despite the unexpected weather, many still turned up to join in the festivities.
He was proud that Sarawak Day — a commemoration of the state having its own government on July 22, 1963 — made its introduction in such a grand scale.
For the record, the date is now officially a public holiday in Sarawak.
“Our deepest thanks to all those involved, including the spectators, in making this event a success. We will continue to hold similar countdown for July 22 in honour of our past leaders and their sacrifices for Motherland Sarawak.”
Several people met at MCC Field that night commended SUPP for holding the countdown and also applauded Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem for making the bold move to declare July 22 as a public holiday.
“No doubt, it would affect businesses but in term of significance, the younger generation should know what our forefathers had sacrificed for Sarawak,” said Vision Technology director/senior editor of Petrus Abai, who was broadcasting the event via online for Radio Television Malaysia (RTM).
Meanwhile, Miri Indian Association president Karambir Singh said Sarawak Day should be a day for all Sarawakians to cherish.
“It marked the recognition of Sarawak as unique — a nation within Malaysia. In this respect, the federal government should realise our desires and aspirations, as they should also respect the autonomy for Sarawak as agreed upon in Malaysia Agreement 1963,” he said.
Karambir added Sarawak, being land of many minorities including the Indians, hoped that his community’s aspirations would also be taken into account.
“For a start, the government could declare Diwali (Deepavali) as a public holiday, in recognition to the presence and contributions of Indians in Sarawak,” he stressed.