KUCHING: The 85th birthday of Sarawak Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud will be celebrated here from Oct 8-10.

       The celebration will start with thanksgiving prayers at Masjid Jamek in Petra Jaya on the evening of Oct 8, with Taib and his wife Toh Puan Raghad Kurdi Taib joined by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg and other state leaders.

       "Similar prayers will be carried out by other religious institutions statewide to mark the occasion, to be coordinated by the Unit for Other Religions (Unifor)," the Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas) said in a statement on Monday (Sept 27).

       On Oct 9, the Governor will inspect a guard of honour at the parade ground of the state Legislative Assembly complex.

       There will be no parade or march past events in view of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

       This will be followed by an investiture ceremony where Taib will confer state awards and medals to recipients.

       He will then attend a state dinner at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching in the evening along with Abang Johari and other state ministers and dignitaries.

       There will be performances by local singers, a video presentation and cake-cutting ceremony.

       On Oct 10, Taib and Raghad will attend a high-tea reception at the state Legislative Assembly complex.

       The celebration will end with a concert at a hotel here to be organised by the Sarawak Media Group, which will feature Sarawakian singer Dayang Nurfaizah showcasing a selection of P. Ramlee songs and other popular tunes.

       Taib was born on May 21, 1936 in Miri. He was sworn in as Sarawak's seventh Governor on March 1, 2014 after serving 33 years as chief minister.