Seven Key Events to Mark the TYT's 74th Official Birthday

26 May 2025

KOTA KINABALU: A total of seven major events have been planned to enliven the 74th Official Birthday Celebration of the Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Sabah (Governor), which will take place next month (June).

Deputy Chief Minister II and Minister of Local Government and Housing, Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam, stated that meticulous preparations have been underway since early February by both the Main Committee and the Implementation Committee to ensure every event proceeds smoothly and with full ceremonial decorum.

He emphasised that the official birthday celebration is an annual state event that not only pays tribute to the Governor but also reflects unity and love for the state among the people.

“As Chairman of the Main Committee, I am immensely proud of the commitment shown by all parties involved in making this celebration a success. We want this event to be more than symbolc, it should be truly felt by the people,” he said during a special press conference at the Integrated Complex of the Ministry of Communications, here today.

According to him, one of the main highlights will be the Parade and March-Past Ceremony, which will be held at Padang Merdeka, Kota Kinabalu.

This grand event will feature the participation of over 80 contingents representing government departments, private agencies, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), higher education institutions, and school students.

“Such comprehensive participation symbolises the unity and patriotism of the people of Sabah towards the state's leadership,” he said.

In addition, a full rehearsal will be held several days prior to the main event to ensure the smooth execution of the parade, with Dr Joachim himself set to attend to observe and assess the readiness of all involved.

“I will attend the full rehearsal as part of my commitment to ensuring the success of the celebration. We want every detail to be executed perfectly,” he added.

Among the seven key events is also the hosting of a Special Press Conference, which has become a formal feature of the celebrations to enable direct communication between the Implementation Committee and the media.

He stated that this press conference is essential to ensure accurate information is conveyed to the public, while also recognising the media’s role in supporting government programmes.

The fourth event is a State Banquet and Fellowship Gathering, bringing together state leaders, diplomatic representatives, department heads and community leaders in a spirit of camaraderie and mutual respect.

The banquet also serves as a platform to honour the contributions of various parties in advancing the development and stability of Sabah.

The fifth event is religious in nature, a Spiritual Programme and Prayer of Wellbeing held as a sign of gratitude and to pray for the wellbeing of the Governor, Her Excellency Toh Puan, and their family.

Dr Joachim said that spiritual elements are important for instilling values of harmony and humility among the state’s diverse ethnic and religious communities.

Starting early June, local authorities across the state will also carry out the sixth event, putting up birthday greeting billboards in their respective areas as a sign of appreciation and support for the Governor’s leadership.

“This initiative not only brings the celebration to the district level but also showcases the local councils’ commitment to state unity,” he said.

The seventh event will involve community and cultural elements, including artistic performances, public entertainment activities and interactive programmes involving various segments of society.

“This event not only strengthens the identity of the people of Sabah but also fosters a sense of togetherness and pride in the state’s heritage,” he added.

As such, he invited all Sabahans to come together at Padang Merdeka this June to witness the main celebration, which will begin as early as 6am.

“I call on all citizens, regardless of background, to join in and enliven this celebration as a mark of respect and love for our state’s highest leader,” he said.

He also urged the public to always pray for the health and wellbeing of the Governor, Her Excellency Toh Puan and their family, that they may always be protected and blessed.

“The Governor’s exemplary, caring, and inclusive leadership in safeguarding the welfare of the people should be a model for us all,” he said.

Also present were the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Datuk Dr Jamili Nais; Private Secretary to the Governor, Izharudin Jalaludin; Sabah Broadcasting Director, Mohd Yusni Mohamed Ali; Sabah Information Director, Jainisah Mohd Noor; as well as ministry officers and staff of the Ministry of Communications.