By Karen Masing & Jacintha Jolene
SARIKEI: Dewan Suarah Sarikei came alive today as thousands gathered for the Sarawak-level National Day 2025 celebration, marked by colourful performances and a strong spirit of patriotism.
The event was officiated by Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, accompanied by his wife Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi, with Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and state cabinet members also in attendance.
Minister of Women, Early Childhood, and Community Wellbeing Development Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah, who served as Minister-in-Charge, expressed her gratitude to the organisers, agencies and the local community for making the celebration a success.
“This celebration is not just about marking an important date in history but about strengthening unity and passing the spirit of patriotism to future generations,” she said at the Sarawak-level National Day 2025 celebration at Dewan Suarah Sarikei.
Earlier in the morning, more than 8,000 participants joined the Unity Walk, one of the highlights of the celebration, which promoted solidarity and togetherness.
The two-kilometre Unity Walk began at the Sarikei Sports Complex and concluded at Bazar MARA Sarikei, with participants dressed in various styles, some donning traditional ethnic attire while others opted for sportswear paired with the official Unity Walk T-shirt provided by the organisers.
The official ceremony later featured lively performances by the Sarikei Buskers, the Madrasah Angklung Group, and 40 synchronised dancers performing to the song ‘Malaysia MADANI Rakyat Disantuni’.
The programme also showcased local talents, including singer Dion and students from SMK St Anthony Sarikei, who presented choral speaking and drama performances themed around courage, wisdom and harmony.
Adding to the festive atmosphere, the Ambang Merdeka Concert on Saturday night drew a crowd of 5,000 spectators and featured both local and national artistes, including Nai Dinamik, Bob Yusof and Carrie Geres.
