KOTA KINABALU: Thousands from various backgrounds participated in the Sabah state-level National Day festivities held at Dataran Bandaraya on Thursday (Aug 31).
Additional celebrations were also planned for Tambunan later in the day, as the state marked Sabah Day for the first time.
The Head of State, Tun Juhar Mahiruddin, and Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor led the celebrations in Kota Kinabalu.
People arrived as early as 6:30am to witness the National Day parade at Dataran Bandaraya along Jalan Tun Fuad Stephens.
The event commenced with the arrival of Tun Juhar and his wife, Toh Puan Norlidah RM Jasni, at the grandstand in front of the Promenade Hotel. They were greeted by the Chief Minister and the main organizing chairman, Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun.
Later, Tun Juhar inspected the 113-member guard of honor from the 22nd Battalion of the Malay Regiment, Sandakan, commanded by Major Mohd Adam Embi.
The parade commenced with a helicopter fly-past featuring the Police Air Unit, Royal Malaysian Navy, and Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency.
A total of 112 contingents, including representatives from the security forces, uniformed bodies, ministries, schools, higher learning institutions, ethnic cultural associations, NGOs, and the private sector, participated in the march past.
Furthermore, 28 motorcades also joined in the celebration.
Notable attendees included Speaker Datuk Kadzim Yahya, Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan, Deputy Chief Minister II Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam, Deputy Chief Minister III Datuk Shahelmey Yahya, State Secretary Datuk Seri Safar Untong, state Cabinet ministers, and other dignitaries.
This year, Sabahans are also commemorating Sabah Day on Aug 31 for the first time.
Hajiji announced on Aug 21 that Sabah would observe Sabah Day to mark the day of its independence 60 years ago.
The decision was made by the state Cabinet, and Tambunan was chosen as the venue for the celebration, set to begin at 3pm.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
