Kuching - SARAWAK marked the 87th birthday of Yang Di-pertua Negri Tun Abang Muhammad Salahuddin Abang Barieng with a parade at Padang Merdeka in Kuching.
Over 3,000 people in 77 contingents took part in the parade with about 2,000 students and martial arts exponents who put up performances on Oct 25.
The contingents came from various go vernment departments and agencies, institutions of higher learning, uniformed bodies, associations and the private sector.
A loud cheer went up for a small contingent of disabled folk in wheel chairs from the Samarahan Rehabilitation Centre.
Contingents from the armed forces, territorial army and police turned out smartly in their uniforms while those from the Orang Ulu National Association and Sarakup Indu Dayak Sarawak were dressed in colourful ethnic attire.
Besides the contingents, vehicles from the army, police and Fire and Rescue Department took part in a march-past in front of the Head of State.
This was followed by a demonstration of self-defence by silat, wushu, taekwondo and kungfu exponents.
In his speech, Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud said that Sarawak had enjoyed security and prosperity since it became part of Malaysia 45 years ago.
He said the state now had a growing middle-class with greater purchasing power to support the economy.
“We have many reasons to be thankful because Sarawak is peaceful and prosperous,” he said.
He urged the people not to take the peace and prosperity for granted but to nurture it to ensure stability.
Earlier, Salahuddin inspected a guard of honour mounted by the 11th Battalion of the Royal Malay Regiment.
He then inspected the contingents in the field in an open-top jeep.
He also cut a cake presented to him by children representing the state`s ethnic communities. By SHARON LING
Source: http://thestar.com.my (November 03, 2008)
