KUCHING: The State Banquet in conjunction with the 80th Birthday Celebration of the Sarawak Governor, Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, took place with great splendor at the Dining Hall of the Sarawak Legislative Assembly Complex on Saturday.

The grand banquet was attended by his wife, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi, accompanied by Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg and his daughter Dayang Norjihan.

The event commenced with an opening performance by the Sarawak Arts Council (MSS), followed by the recitation of prayers led by the Grand Imam of Sarawak, Sahibul Fadhilah Dato Mustapha Kamal Ahmad Fauzi.

Among the main highlights of the evening was a special video presentation titled “Bakti Tanpa Henti”, followed by the birthday cake-cutting ceremony for the Head of State of Sarawak.

The function was further enlivened by a special video screening titled “Kembara D’Astana” alongside musical performances by local artistes including Karen Libau, Chien Ng, Firdaus Materang, Mal Imran, as well as appearances by popular singers Daus Eli and Haziq Rosebi.

Also present were Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Amar Fadillah Yusof, Dewan Negara President Senator Dato Sri Awang Bemee Awang Ali Basah, Sarawak Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, and Datuk Amar Prof Dr Sim Kui Hian, Speaker of the Sarawak Legislative Assembly Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nasar, Minister for Utility and Telecommunication cum Minister-in-Charge of the 80th Birthday Celebration of the Sarawak Governor Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi, Cabinet Ministers, Sarawak Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Deputy Ministers, distinguished dignitaries, and heads of departments.

The State Banquet stands as one of the major official highlights organized in conjunction with the 80th Birthday Celebration of His Excellency the Head of State of Sarawak for the year 2026.

Additionally on the same evening, Sarawakians were entertained by the Konsert Rakyat in conjunction with the celebration, featuring local talents such as Raquel Then, Yadee, Dayana Shini, Ramles Walter, Carry Geres, and Harry Parren accompanied by Band Agura, alongside special guest appearances by Floor 88, Aina Abdul, and Dato Amy Search.

A spectacular fireworks display served as the climax of the night's festivities. — UKASnews

Prepared by: Firdaus Materang
Photos: Hazrin
Translator: Ryan Lim