Maulidur Rasul parade a showcase of unity

The environment-friendly contingent from Rajang Port Authority parading their poster on two bicycles.

SIBU: It was a true display of unity in diversity at this year’s State-Level Maulidur Rasul Celebration as friends from the non-Muslim community also took part in the parade at Sibu Town Square yesterday.

The participation of a contingent from Federation of Seven Clans Association made this year’s event merrier and more meaningful.

“We (Federation of Seven Clans Association) are indeed very happy to be given the opportunity to join this Maulidur Rasul Celebration together with our friends from the Muslim community.

“It gives us the big picture of what Islam is all about. If we are to be given similar chance in years to come, we will be more than happy to send in our contingent again,” said the president of the federation, Chung Bui Kuek, when met after the parade.

On behalf of the federation, Chung expressed his thanks and appreciation to the State-Level Maulidur Rasul Celebration Committee for giving them the opportunity to join the event.

Starting and ending at Sibu Town Square, the parade covered a distance of about 3.7 kilometres.

The ‘kompang group’ from PBB Dudong area.

Meanwhile, a total of 104 contingents comprising 6,703 participants from various government departments and agencies, uniformed bodies, corporate bodies and associations rallied in unity during the parade which was blessed with a sunny bright morning.

The event was themed ‘Unity, The Pulse of National Transformation’.

Acting Head of State Tan Sri Datuk Amar Bujang Mohd Nur and Minister of Housing Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg, who represented Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem, led the parade at 8.30am.

Others joining the parade were State Legislative Assembly Speaker Datuk Amar Mohd Asfia Awang Nassar, Minister of Local Government and Community Development Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh, Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister’s Office (Islamic Affairs) Datuk Daud Abdul Rahman, Nangka assemblyman Dr Annuar Rapaee and Sibu Resident Hii Chang Kee.

The parade weaved through Kampung Nyabor Road, Morshidi Sidek Road, Wong Nai Siong Road before turning back to Kampung Nyabor Road, Tun Abang Haji Openg Road, Awang Ramli Amit Road, Masjid Road, Kampung Datu Lama and ended at Sibu Town Square.

Jacky Thew receiving a certificate of participation from Daud while Dr Annuar (second right) and others look on.