KUCHING: Sultan of Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah attended an official dinner reception here on Thursday night (Aug 20) in conjunction with His Royal Highness’ visit to Sarawak.
Held at Sheraton Hotel, the reception was also graced by Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and Premier Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Also present were State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar and State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki.
During the dinner, Al-Sultan Abdullah viewed a special video presentation titled ‘Pahang dan Sarawak: Sulaman Kasih Dua Persada’, highlighting the friendship between the two states forged through harmonious leadership, shared values and complementary strengths.
The evening was further enlivened by performances from Agura Band and invited artistes Hariz Mukhriz, Nurhijrah Yahya, Donny Lang and Eyqa Saiful.
These were interspersed with cultural performances presented by the Sarawak Arts Council, showcasing the diversity of ethnic groups and communities in Sarawak.
The programme concluded with a finale featuring ‘Joget Jinak Merpati’ and ‘Bekikis Bulu Betis’, symbolising unity, cultural strength and Sarawakian pride.
Today (Aug. 21), His Royal Highness travels to Kampung Telok Melano, Sematan, to perform Friday prayers at Masjid Al-Sultan Abdullah before officiating the opening of the mosque at 12.30 pm.
The mosque holds special sentimental value for Al-Sultan Abdullah as His Royal Highness officiated its groundbreaking ceremony on Sept 13, 2023, while serving as the 16th Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
Following the opening ceremony, His Royal Highness is scheduled to plant a Bauhinia purpurea sapling at the mosque grounds.
He will then take a leisurely stroll along Telok Melano Beach before proceeding to the 0.00 Point of the Pan Borneo Highway for a photography session.
Al-Sultan Abdullah is scheduled to depart for Pahang on Saturday from KIA to the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) Kuantan Air Base.
