KUCHING: The Parade Ceremony and Grand Assembly held in conjunction with the 80th Birthday Celebration of the Sarawak Governor is expected to gather up to 10,000 people at Padang Merdeka here this Saturday.

Minister for Utility and Telecommunication who is also the Minister-In-Charge for the celebration Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi said that the preparations for the ceremony were at its best level based on the full rehearsal that took place on Thursday.

According to him, the ceremony did not solely mark an official event commemorating the birthday of the Sarawak Governor but instead served as a platform to bring together people of various races, religions and backgrounds in the spirit of unity.

"Based on the rehearsal that we have witnessed earlier, it seems that the preparations are very orderly and God willing, it will run smoothly.

“Hopefully the weather conditions will also be favourable so that the official celebration on Saturday can go well," he said when met by the media after witnessing the full rehearsal on Thursday.

Dato Sri Julaihi added that the number of attendees is also likely to exceed 10,000 people considering the vast capacity of Padang Merdeka and the improving transport network facilities.

He explained that the development of the Pan Borneo Highway, coastal roads and new bridges also facilitated the movement of people from various areas in Sarawak to attend the celebration.

"With the improving road network, we are confident that Sarawakians from all walks of life will be able to celebrate this occasion together in the morning.

"In the evening, the Konsert Rakyat will also be held here (Padang Merdeka) as a token of appreciation to the people, in addition to celebrating the 80th Birthday of the Sarawak Governor," he said.

In terms of security, he said, the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM), the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) and related security agencies were fully prepared to ensure the celebration ran smoothly.

"All members involved in maintaining security are always ready at all times.

"Sarawak is a region that is always united, peaceful and harmonious. God willing, we can celebrate this significant and extensive celebration together in a safe, harmonious and peaceful atmosphere.

"This is the culture of Sarawak that we all safeguard," he added.

Dato Sri Julaihi also recorded his 80th birthday speech to the Sarawak Governor, while describing the celebration as a symbol of the unity and harmony of the multi-racial community in this state.

Also present to witness the full parade ceremony and the grand rally rehearsal were Sarawak Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Deputy Ministers-In-Charge Datuk Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali, Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew, Datuk Henry Harry Jinep and Datuk Martin Ben, Senior Private Secretary to the Sarawak Governor Dato' Sri Syed Hamzah Syed Paie and Sarawak Protocol, Ceremonial and Event Management Unit (UPPANS) Director Datu Hamdan Sharbini. -UKASnews