Performers wave the Jalur Gemilang at the end of the full-dress rehearsal.
Soldiers carrying weapons during the marchpast.
SHOWING PATRIOTISM: National Service Training Programme trainees carry the Jalur Gemilang and state flag during the full-dress rehearsal for the state-level National Day celebration yesterday. Bintulu is hosting this year’s event.
BINTULU: A full-dress rehearsal, involving thousands of participants from 80 contingents, for the state-level National Day celebration at the Bintulu Civic Centre ran smoothly yesterday.
Minister of Utilities Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom, who is minister-in-charge of the event, was present along with Assistant Minister of Native Laws and Customs, Datuk John Sikie Tayai, and Assistant Minister of Water Supply, Liwan Lagang.
“I am very satisfied with the participation and preparation and I thank all people involved especially the organising committee members,” said Dr Rundi.
“Now we just hope for good support from the public to come together to Bintulu Civic Centre for the celebration.”
He said thanksgiving prayers will be held tonight (Aug 30) at Assyakirin Mosque at 7pm.
Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud, Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg and other cabinet ministers are expected to attend.
For the countdown event at Bintulu Esplanade, 10 singers will perform.
“Our Chief Minister will be joining us for the countdown,” he said.
The Kemena assemblyman said he is proud to be a Malaysian and a Sarawakian.
“To demonstrate our appreciation we must show high spirit of patriotism,” he added.