Miri celebrates city status in style

BY STEPHEN THEN

MIRI: It was a simple ceremony but yet one of the most important for Sarawak and Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud when this municipality was declared a city yesterday. 

Just before midnight, Yang di-Pertua Negri Tun Abang Muhammad Salahuddin read out the declaration signed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong giving Miri city status. Just as the clock struck 12, Tun Abang Muhammad declared: “Miri is hereby proclaimed a city.” 

The proclamation was followed by a 15-minute fireworks display that wowed the more than 30,000 people gathered at the City Fan Recreational Park to celebrate the occasion.  

With that, Miri became Malaysia’s 10th city, joining the ranks of Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Ipoh, Kuching, Johor Baru, Kota Kinabalu, Malacca, Shah Alam and Alor Star. 

Earlier, just before midnight, Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud told the crowd that the trademark of the Miri people in its pioneering days was their resilience. 

IT’S OFFICIAL: Abang Muhammad Salahuddindeclaring Miri a city in a simple but historic ceremony Friday.

“The people must take the credit for the thriving economy Miri is experiencing now. It was their teamwork, their struggle and resilience that enabled them to survive the difficult times. This resilience must be the soul of Miri City,” he said. 

Taib said it was a fact that oil led to the transformation of Miri from a small village into a city. 

It also spurred the influx of migrant workers and the growth of a multiracial society that has become the most ethnically diverse in Sarawak. 

As an anak Miri, Taib said, he was extremely proud of its achievements and he wanted to see this city progress even further. 

Yesterday morning, the Head of State handed over the appointment letter to the city’s first mayor, Datuk Wee Han Wen. Wee, 57, who had been the Miri Municipal Council chairman since 1998. 

In launching Miri Trade Expo 2005 on Thursday night, Taib said Sarawak had proven that it was a haven for local and foreign investors. 

the state had attracted some RM356mil in investments in the first three months this year. 

The expo, showcasing products from local Malaysian companies and some foreign consortiums, was held in conjunction with Miri’s city status.  

Special Report - Miri: My City