LEADING THE PROCESSION: The state government’s float featuring a brightly lit and huge image of a hornbill head complete with the logo of Sarawak’s 50th anniversary of independence within Malaysia, the Jalur Gemilang, state colours and other images symbolising development and progress in Sarawak leading the procession along Sungai Sarawak near Kuching Waterfront last night. Held in conjunction with Sarawak’s Golden Jubilee celebration, the event was graced by Yang Di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah. The Raja Permaisuri Agong Tuanku Hajah Haminah was also present. Also attending were Head of State Tun Datuk Patinggi Abang Mohammad Salahuddin, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud and other dignitaries and VVIPs. — Photo by Mohammad Rais Sanusi
KUCHING: Thousands of people, armed with umbrellas and raincoats, braved the incessant heavy rain to enjoy the float procession at the Kuching Waterfront which was held in conjunction with the 50th Malaysia Day celebration here last night.
Many were caught in a crawling jam all the way from the Satok flyover to Jalan Song Thian Cheok as several roads were closed as well. Thus, most opted to park their cars and walk to the Kuching Waterfront instead.
Some even opted to witness the procession from the Boyan-Gersik-Sourabaya waterfront.
OFFICIAL LAUNCHING: His Majesty the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong (third left) giving the ship’s wheel a spin to launch the float procession. Also seen are (from left) Taib, Salahuddin, Najib and Mawan. — Bernama photo
Yang Di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah and Raja Permaisuri Agong Tuanku Hajah Haminah arrived at the venue at 9.15pm, accompanied by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, his wife Datuk Amar Rosmah Mansor, Deputy Prime Minster Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and wife Puan Sri Noorainee Abdul Rahman, Head of State Tun Datuk Patinggi Abang Mohammad Salahuddin, his wife Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Norkiah, Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud and wife Puan Sri Ragad Kurdi Taib and Social Development Minister Tan Sri William Mawan who is also the minister-in-charge of the event.
The celebration kicked-off with a video presentation depicting Sarawak’s achievement after 50 years of independence.
The celebration included a parade of 50 brightly lit festive lights and decorated boats and ‘perahu tambang’ along the Sarawak River to signify the 50 years of Sarawak’s independence and formation of Malaysia.
HEAVY DOWNPOUR: The heavy rain fails to stop the public from coming to the Kuching Waterfront to watch the float procession.
A special float representing the state government led the one-hour show.
Some of the boats played patriotic songs while some had dance performance onboard. Among the decorations are the famous ‘ikan terubok’, hornbills with flapping wings, patriotic messages, cats and candles.
ANOTHER DISPLAY OF FIREWORKS: The new State Legislative Assembly building lit up by colourful lights from the fireworks.
Various government agencies such as Brooke Dockyard, SEDC, Kuching Water Board, Land and Survey Department and Sarawak Foundation Group including Resident’s Offices took part in the procession.
The highlight of the night was an exciting fireworks display with synchronised light and sound by the riverbank which concluded the event. The amazing display literally got thousands in attendance to take out their smart phones and tablets to capture the beautiful moment.
FRUITFUL FLOAT: The float by the Modernisation of Agriculture Ministry has local fruits on it.