KOTA KINABALU: An inspection of the guard of honour, accompanied by 17 cannon shots fired from Signal Hill here, marked the start of the Sabah Head of State Tun Musa Aman’s official 74th birthday.
The national and state anthems were played before Musa rode on the ceremonial vehicle, inspecting an 80-strong contingent parade on the field as Sabah celebrated his official birthday on Saturday (June 21).
The contingents from various government agencies, departments, and organisations all marched in their best, wearing sleek uniforms and attire, in a formal event that started at 8am.
Earlier, Musa, accompanied by his wife, Toh Puan Faridah Tussin, who arrived for his inaugural official Head of State birthday parade, was greeted by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor and his wife, Datin Seri Datuk Juliah Salag, upon arrival.
Also on hand to greet them was Deputy Chief Minister and main organising chairman Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam, together with State Secretary Datuk Seri Safar Untong and other dignitaries.
Later in the event, a cake-cutting ceremony was held during the dance performance led by the Sabah Cultural and Arts Department.
The parade was adjourned around 9.30am for the investiture and state medals presentation ceremony at Istana Seri Kinabalu after that.
