Latest news with #UnityWalk
Borneo Post
22-07-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Miri comes alive as thousands celebrate Sarawak Day with Unity Walk
Unity Walk participants filling up the Miri Stadium from as early as 5am. – Photo by Cindy Lai MIRI (July 22): A vibrant crowd of over 8,000 people from diverse racial and religious backgrounds came together in a powerful show of harmony and solidarity during the Unity Walk held in conjunction with the Sarawak Day celebration at Miri Stadium today. Clad in yellow Sarawak-themed attire, participants began gathering as early as 5am, transforming the stadium grounds into a vibrant mosaic of unity beneath the rising sun. The minister in charge of this year's Sarawak Day celebration, Sarawak Transport Minister, Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin, was present with his wife Datin Kong Shui Lin to welcome the crowd. The walk was officially flagged off by the Yang di-Pertua Negeri, Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, and his wife Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi. Together with other dignitaries, they waved the Sarawak flag in a rousing launch of the event. Wan Junaidi (seventh left) joined by Lee (sixth left) and other dignitaries flagging off the Unity Walk. – Photo by Cindy Lai Also present were Deputy Premier and Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government, Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian; State Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Development, Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah; Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department (Law, State-Federal Relations and MA63) Datuk Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali; Deputy State Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Datuk Sebastian Ting; Deputy State Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government, Datuk Dr Penguang Manggil; Deputy State Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development, Datuk Dr Ripin Lamat; Deputy State Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development, Datuk Rosey Yunus; and Deputy State Secretary Datu Hii Chang Kee. Prior to the walk, the crowd participated in a lively warm-up session led by an energetic instructor, with upbeat music setting the tone for the day. At around 7am, Tun Wan Junaidi and other dignitaries led thousands of Sarawakians out of the stadium in an orderly procession. The Unity Walk route took participants along Jalan Sukan and Jalan Kipas, past Masjid At-Taqwa, then continued through Jalan Parry and Miri City Fan before looping back via Jalan Bintang to Miri Stadium. miri sarawak day Unity Walk
Borneo Post
17-07-2025
- Borneo Post
Road closures in Miri city this July 22 for Sarawak Day Unity Walk parade
A handout map shows the route of the Unity Walk. MIRI (July 17): Several roads in the city centre here will be temporarily closed this July 22 to make way for the Unity Walk parade, held in celebration of Sarawak Day. Miri police chief ACP Mohd Farhan Lee Abdullah said the Unity Walk will commence from the Miri Indoor Stadium. 'Closures will begin at 7am and are expected to last until 9am, affecting roads along the parade route,' he said in a statement today. The roads include Jalan Sukan, Jalan Kipas, Jalan Sylvia, Jalan Parry, Jalan North Yu Seng, and Jalan Merpati. Mohd Farhan advised motorists to cooperate with police personnel on duty and to follow all instructions given during the temporary closure. 'The public is also encouraged to plan their journeys in advance to avoid delays,' he added. For more information, contact the Miri district police headquarters on 085-433400 or 085-433730. miri road closure sarawak day Unity Walk
Borneo Post
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
Groundbreaking for new landmark bridge among Sarawak Day events in Miri
(From left) Galong and Lee display the Sarawak Day 2025 Unity Walk T-shirt. Also seen are Penguang and Ripin. MIRI (July 16): Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg will perform the groundbreaking ceremony for a new iconic bridge project here on Sarawak Day (July 22). The cable-stayed bridge will connect Kampung Pulau Melayu to Marina Bay and Commercial Centre, completing the coastal road link to the Brunei border at Sungai Tujuh. 'The Premier will officiate at the earth-breaking ceremony of this iconic Miri bridge at the parking space in front of Pullman Hotel at Miri Waterfront Commercial Centre on July 22 at 10.20am,' Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin, who is Sarawak Day 2025 celebrations organising committee chairman, told a press conference. The bridge is expected to become a tourist attraction like the iconic Darul Hana Bridge in Kuching. The three-day celebration will begin on July 20 with a Zumba session at 7am at Miri Indoor Stadium, where organisers are offering 5,000 free T-shirts and 1,200 towels, with a treadmill as the grand prize. There will also be a three-day search for the next TVS host with prizes including RM5,000 for the champion along with a six-month probationary contract with the state-owned station and the possibility of permanent employment. Second- and third-placed winners will receive RM3,000 and RM2,000 respectively. 'Those with talent for hosting or singing are encouraged to join,' Lee said. That evening, a Multi-Faith Thanksgiving Ceremony will take place at 8pm at Meritz Hotel, led by the Unit for Other Religions (Unifor). On July 21, a thanksgiving ceremony will be held at 6pm at the At-Taqwa Mosque, organised by the Sarawak Islamic Religious Department. The final day of celebrations will see Sarawak Governor Tun Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and his wife Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi leading a Unity Walk at 7am from Miri City Stadium. In the afternoon, Abang Johari will deliver a keynote address and engage in a dialogue with 1,200 participants during a town hall session at 3pm at Imperial Hotel. The highlight will be the Sarawak Day Assembly, scheduled for 8pm at Miri City Stadium, which will be attended by both Wan Junaidi and Abang Johari. Among those present were Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Dr Penguang Manggil and Deputy Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Dr Ripin Lamat. cable-stayed bridge lead Lee Kim Shin sarawak day
Borneo Post
12-07-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
722 Tok Nan tribute gathering cancelled amid ‘restrictive' conditions by MBKS
Peter described the terms as 'tyrannical', claiming they contravened democratic norms and the principles of freedom of expression. KUCHING (July 12): The organising committee behind the proposed July 22 gathering to honour Sarawak Independence Day and pay tribute to the late Chief Minister Pehin Sri Adenan Satem (Tok Nan) has announced the cancellation of the event, despite receiving a permit to proceed at Song Kheng Hai ground here, on Friday. The event organising chairman Peter John Jaban said, in a statement today, that there was no longer any point in holding the event due to the restrictive conditions imposed by the Kuching South City Council (MBKS), and the last-minute approval which came only after organisers raised concerns in the media about the delayed response. 'The approval letter was issued at the eleventh hour, with conditions that are both restrictive and unreasonable, including a ban on the symbolic release of pigeons, which traditionally represents freedom and unity, and a prohibition on vehicle shows, despite months of preparation by various local communities,' he said. Peter described the terms as 'tyrannical', claiming they contravened democratic norms and the principles of freedom of expression. 'We are sad to cancel what was meant to be a community-driven initiative. This event was organised by the community, for the community. No public funds were used — it was entirely powered by volunteers, private sponsorships, and passionate Sarawakians who wanted to celebrate their shared heritage, free from political or institutional agendas,' he said. He added that after submitting the permit application on April 7, 2025, organisers continued with three months of preparation. However, the official approval, which arrived only on the evening of July 11 and was not even signed by the mayor, left with them insufficient time to execute the event properly. 'We wish the various councils the best of luck with their alternate programmes, such as the Unity Walk being organised this year by MBKS. 'We thank all our contributors — the big bikers, classic car enthusiasts, as well as the Kancil and sports car communities — who were looking forward to participating,' he said. Peter also expressed regret to those who had made long-distance travel plans, including motorhome travellers from Limbang and cultural troupes from rural villages. 'Unfortunately, the onerous conditions imposed by MBKS would have precluded them from taking part. We offer our heartfelt apologies to every supporter who believed in this people's movement,' he said. Peter also thanked the cultural troupes and performers, including villagers from across Sarawak, who had committed their time, energy, and resources to participate. 'We also applaud the efforts of the three councils in marking the occasion this year, their first time doing so, although we are saddened by the lack of engagement during the planning of their event. 'Nevertheless, we remain open to constructive and timely discussions for this and future events, to ensure continued community representation in the spirit of this celebration,' he added. Peter also acknowledged the Unity Walk as an excellent way to bring the people together and pay tribute to the late Tok Nan, a leader who declared July 22 as a public holiday and stood for Sarawak's autonomy, unity, and pride. 'This was never about politics. It was about pride. It was about the community and the people of Sarawak,' he added. 'It was also about Sarawak First. Though this event is now cancelled, our spirit as Anak Sarawak remains strong. We will continue to pursue inclusive, respectful, and community-led efforts to honour our heritage.' 722 gathering MBKS Peter John
Borneo Post
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Sarikei to host Sarawak-level National Day 2025 celebration
Fatimah (centre) in a photocall with organising committee members after the press conference. KUCHING (July 9): The Sarawak state level National Day 2025 celebration will be held in Sarikei on August 31, featuring a variety of exciting programmes from 7am to 10pm, said State Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah. Sarikei will play host to this year's Sarawak-level National Day celebration on August 31, with a full day of exciting programmes lined up from 7am to 10pm, said State Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development, Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah. She said the celebration will feature four main events, coordinated by the Sarawak Protocol, Ceremony and Event Management Unit (UPPANS) in collaboration with the main organiser – Sarikei Division Resident's Office. The day will begin with a Unity Walk at the Sarikei Sports Complex at 7am, graced by the Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and his wife, Toh Puan Fauziah Mohamad Sanusi. 'Following the Unity Walk, there will be a Town Hall session held at Dewan Sentral Sarikei in the afternoon. 'This is one of the key activities planned for the Sarawak-level National Day 2025 celebration,' she told a press conference at the Ministry's office in Baitulmakmur II Building here today. The highlight of the day will be the National Day Celebration Assembly at 8pm at the Sarikei Sports Complex, which would be graced by Wan Junaidi and Fauziah, along with Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and other members of the state cabinet. 'That night, there will also be a National Day Concert at 10pm, immediately after the official ceremony,' she said. Also present at the press conference were UPPANS Director Datuk Hamdan Sarbini, Sarikei Division Resident Datu Michael Ronnie, and UPPANS Assistant Director Masyitah Kipli. fatimah abdullah host national day Sarikei
