Head of State's birthday bash coincides with Sarawak's 50 years of independence in Malaysia

State Head Yang Di pertua Ngeri Sarawak, Tun Abang Muhammad Salahuddin Abang Barieng inspecting the parade during his birthday celebration at Stadium Negeri in Kuching.

IT was a grand event to remember.

Head of State Tun Muhammad Salahuddin had a memorable 92nd birthday celebration with family members, friends and the people at Stadium Negri in Kuching.

In a grand and colourful celebration that also coincided with Sarawak’s 50th anniversary of independence in Malaysia, thousands from all walks of life turned up to wish the Head of State happy birthday.

Upon arrival, Salahuddin and his wife Toh Puan Norkiah were received by Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud and wife Puan Sri Ragad Kurdi Taib, the minister-in-charge of the celebrations Datuk Seri Wong Soon Koh, State Secretary Tan Sri Mohd Morshidi Abdul Ghani and other committee members.

Salahuddin then inspected a guard-of-honour.

Salahuddin cutting his birthday cake at the celebration. With him (from right) are Ragad, Norkiah and Taib.

After Taib delivered his birthday wishes and speech on the state’s future growth, the crowd shouted Dirgahayu for Salahuddin. This was followed by a birthday song performed by children playing the angklung (a bamboo musical instrument).

Then the 92 contingents in their colourful attire representing various government departments/agencies, political parties, uniformed bodies, associations and school brass bands marched past the grandstand and around the stadium.

The two-hour celebration also featured youths, dressed in black, red, blue and pink T-shirts with the number 92 printed on it, performing dances to portray the harmony the state enjoyed and its multi-racial society.

Salahuddin, who is the sixth Yang di-Pertua Negri, assumed office on Nov 30, 2011.