Sarawak celebrates: TYT’s 80th Birthday Celebration culminates in grand parade
KUCHING, 10 October 2026: The 80th birthday of Tuan Yang Terutama Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak, Tun Pehin Sri Dr. Haji Wan Junaidi bin Tuanku Jaafar culminated in a Grand Parade and Mass Gathering at Kuching’s Padang Merdeka earlier today, bringing together people of all walks of life as well as 107 contingents from various ministries, departments, state-owned enterprises, educational institutions and local authorities.
Today’s gathering and celebration was also graced by Yang Amat Berbahagia Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Hajah Fauziah binti Mohd Sanusi, Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg and his daughter, Dayang Norjihan, Deputy Prime Minister, Datuk Amar Haji Fadillah bin Haji Yusof, state ministers, deputies and other distinguished guests.
Before the parade kicked off, TYT Wan Junaidi inspected the Guard of Honour and even greeted the contingents alongside the Sarawak Premier atop the Royal Car, waving and making ‘heart’ gestures to the delighted crowd.
“On this meaningful day, we gather here at Padang Merdeka to celebrate our Head of State, as an institution that bring together Sarawakians of all races and religions. From his service days in the Rajang Area Security Command to studying law and entering politics, Tun has held numerous positions in his life, as Cabinet Member and later, President of the Senate before returning to Sarawak as Yang di-PertuaNegeri,” shared Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari in his address.
“Throughout his life, Tun bore witness to many important events in the nation’s and Sarawak’s history. His experience in the fields of security, law, constitutional affairs and governance has undoubtedly provided him with a broad perspective on the complexities of governing both the state and the country. At the age of 80, His Excellency Tun has traversed a long life journey dedicated to serving the state and the nation. It is, therefore, entirely fitting that Tun now stands as a unifying figure—a protective umbrella—for the people of Sarawak.”
“May Allah SWT continue to grant Tun and Toh Puan good health, happiness, and well-being, and bless you with a long life amidst His abundant grace,” he concluded.
The parade is part of a four-day celebration which is set toofficially conclude tomorrow with a high tea reception at the Pullman Hotel. Meanwhile, members of the public can look forward to the Konsert Rakyat and fireworks display this evening, which will be headlined by songstress Aina Abdul and legendary singer Amy Search.
