Minister praises Sarawak’s unique 60th anniversary parade

KUCHING: This year’s Sarawak 60th Independence Anniversary parade has an added flavour with retro performances from the 1960s to the 2000s.
 
In stating this, Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah has praised today’s event as different from the usual parade with the uniformed bodies marching by the Padang Merdeka.
 
“It was slightly different today because it added a much more vibrant atmosphere, and there were dances from the 60s all the way until the 2000s.
 
“There were songs and dances from the 60s and 2000s. We could see that every contingent was thrilled and excited, and that is why I see that this year’s parade is different,” he said at the Sarawak 60th Independence Anniversary Celebration Digital Exhibition launching ceremony at Plaza Merdeka Shopping Mall here today (July 22).
 
Abdul Karim hoped that those involved in the parade, especially the youths, enjoyed themselves and were entertained by the performances.
 
Meanwhile, he said the Digital Exhibition, which was held in conjunction with Sarawak’s 60th Independence celebration, aims to provide the public with extra information regarding the state government’s vision and mission for Sarawak.
 
He also told the reporters that the exhibition was held in all 12 districts across Sarawak from May 26 until July 23 (tomorrow).
 
Abdul Karim, who is also the minister-in-charge of the ceremony, visited all 14 booths at the event.
 
It is learned that the paraders gathered as early as 4am at the Padang Merdeka.
 
Also present were Deputy Minister of Youth, Sports, and Entrepreneur Development Dr Ripin Lamat, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Datuk Sebastian Ting, and Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Law, MA63, State-Federal Relations) Datuk Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali.