KUCHING: A total of 150 monthly aid recipients of the Sarawak Department of Social Welfare (JKM) each received RM100 in cash and a hamper in conjunction with the celebration of the 80th birthday of the Sarawak Governor Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar at Hotel Pullman Kuching on Sunday.

The recipients comprised 26 men and 124 women, including senior citizens, single mothers and children.

The cash contributions came from the Astana, while the hampers were provided as accompanying aid to the recipients.

The tea reception also saw Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi and Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi cut the pulut kuning (yellow glutinous rice) as a symbol of thanksgiving for his birthday celebration.

The event was also enlivened by a special video presentation titled "Bukan Sekadar Seorang Pemimpin" (Not Just a Leader), which highlighted his personal side as head of the family and a leader who is always close to the hearts of the people.

The programme continued with a performance of the dance "Dirgahayu Kesuma Tuan Yang Terutama" by the Sarawak Arts Council's dance artistes, a sape rendition by Frederick, and vocal performances by Abang Hafidz, Mieysanisha and Bob Yusof, accompanied by the Star Fourpiece Band.

The dinner was later livened up by a sing-along with ministers before the event closed with the songs Negaraku and Ibu Pertiwiku, performed by the Royal Malaysia Police Band.

At the same event, Minister for Utility and Telecommunication and Minister-in-charge of the celebration Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi presented a souvenir to Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi and the Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg.

Meanwhile, Deputy Minister in the Premier of Sarawak's Department (Law, MA63 and State-Federal Relations) Datuk Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali presented a souvenir to Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah and the Sarawak Premier's daughter, Dayang Norjihan.

Also present were Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Amar Fadillah Yusof, Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department (Project Coordination for Regional Development Agencies, DBKU and Islamic Affairs) Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi, and other invited guests. -UKASnews

Prepared by: Ezzah Syafiqah
Photos: Ameerul Syafiq
Translator: Uilson Ng