SIBU (Aug 8): The public are called upon to come out in full force to support the state-Level National Day celebration set to take place here this August 30 and 31.

In making this call at a press conference here today, the Minister in the Premier’s Department Dato Sri John Sikie Tayai said three main events will be featured at this year’s national day celebration themed ‘Jiwa Merdeka’.

The celebration will kick off with the National Day countdown concert at the Dataran Tun Tuanku Bujang here on Aug 30, to which he expected at least 5,000 people to turn up for the event.

“We have invited some well-known singers and performers to entertain at the countdown concert and I hope everyone will come in full force and support this event,” he said.

A free ‘Fun Walk’ event will thereafter take place on Aug 31, from 5.30pm at the Dataran Tun Tuanku Bujang.

“We are expecting 5,000 people to join this Fun Walk event. No registrations are required; just come with your families, have fun and show your support and love for our country,” he said after chairing a meeting for the event at RH Hotel here today.

Sikie, who is the minister-in-charge of the celebration, said Sarawak Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi and Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg are also expected to join the Fun Walk event.

The highlight of the celebration, he added, will be the National Day celebration assembly at the Chancellor Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud’s Hall at University of Technology Sarawak (UTS) which will start at 11am on Aug 31.

Sikie also called upon the local and business communities here to fly the Malaysia and Sarawak flags at their premises to enliven the National month celebration.

Also present were Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee; Sarawak Protocol, Ceremonies and Event Management Unit director Hamdan Sharbini; and Sibu Resident Abang Mohamad Porkan Abang Budiman.