KOTA KINABALU: Thousands thronged Padang Merdeka as early as 6am yesterday to witness and partake in a special parade to celebrate the Head of State’s 59th birthday.
People from all walks of life withstood the hot sun to watch the performances held to commemorate the spectacular event.
Tun Juhar Mahiruddin’s arrival was welcomed by 95 teams representing various government agencies and organisations and the state anthem was played followed by a 17-gun salute.
The choir group of the Agriculture and Food Industry Ministry entertained the crowd with three songs, Gunung Kinabalu, Satu Malaysia and Selamat Hari Jadi, a song specially composed for the Head of State.
A performance combining the modern and traditional musical instruments was among the highlights of the event and it was made interesting with the modern dance performances by dancers of the Sabah Cultural Board.
Also present were Juhar’s consort, Toh Puan Norlidah R M Jasni, Speaker Datuk Seri Panglima Salleh Tun Said, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman and wife Datin Seri Faridah Tussin, Deputy Chief Ministers Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan, Datuk Seri Panglima Yahya Hussin and Datuk Dr Yee Moh Chai, cabinet ministers, Mayor Datuk Abidin Madingkir and political leaders.
The all-girl school Sekolah Kebangsaan St Francis pupils had a reason to smile when they took home the champion title in the Primary School Category of the parade, while PKBM Laut SMK Badin, Tuaran, performed similarly well in the Secondary School Category, and Universiti Malaysia Sabah’s KOR Sukarelawan Polis Siswa/Siswi in the Higher Learning Institution Category.
Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd came in first in the Private/Commercial Category; Information Department’s 1Malaysia Club emerged first in Non-Governmental Organisation Category; Sabah Water Department was tops in Non-Uniformed Government Department Category; and Sabah Customs Department was the best in Uniformed Government Department Category.
Yahya described the large participation from the young people, or commonly known today as ‘Generation Y’, at the Head of State Tun’s birthday celebration as “encouraging”.
“Your participation is very much appreciated, and in line with the 1Malaysia concept, as we believe that the younger generations are the nation’s future leaders.
“Through the event we hope to create closer rapport, not just among the participants, but also the society at large. It will ensure continuous peace and harmony in the state,” said Yahya, in his speech read by Assistant Agriculture and Food Industry Minister Datuk Bobbey Suan.
Yahya, who is the event’s organising committee chairman, congratulated the teams for their commitments in ensuring the success of the event.