KUCHING: The state-level Malaysia Day celebration in Sarawak will be a hybrid event this year in view of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

       Minister in charge Datuk Lee Kim Shin (pic) said the celebration would be held at the State Legislative Complex here on Sept 16, with guests limited to 100 people in compliance with standard operating procedures.

       Sarawak Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud and his wife Toh Puan Raghad Kurdi Taib will be the guests of honour, along with Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg and state Cabinet members.

       "Those at home can watch the celebration which will be broadcast live on the TVS television channel, the Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas) Facebook page and RTM radio," Lee said on Thursday (Sept 9).

       He said the celebration's theme of "Malaysia Prihatin" (Malaysia Cares) reflected the caring spirit of Malaysians in the fight against Covid-19, while cultural performances will portray the unity among Malaysians of all races and religions.

       The event will open with a welcome dance and a special video highlighting the nation's efforts to tackle the pandemic.

       Other performances will include a monologue titled "Air Dicincang Takkan Putus" on the formation of Malaysia and a song titled "Let's Celebrate" by Sarawakian singer Melissa Francis with dance accompaniment by Sarawakians around the world.

       Lee said the celebration of Malaysia Day was important for all Malaysians, especially the younger generation, to remember and appreciate the struggles of past leaders towards the formation and development of Malaysia.

       "We must be aware that Sarawak is a partner to the formation of Malaysia and without such a partnership, there will be no Malaysia," he said, urging the public to display the national and state flags on Sept 16 to commemorate the nation's formation.