KOTA KINABALU: The current Covid-19 pandemic situation should not dampen the national level Malaysia Day celebration on Thursday, says state secretary Datuk Seri Safar Untong.

       He said although this year’s celebration would be on a small scale, the main purpose was to inspire and commemorate the spirit of the formation of Malaysia on Sept 16, 1963.

       The celebration will be held at the Sabah International Convention Centre here.

       “The event will be carried out under strict adherence to standard operating procedure such as limited invitations and a short 90-minute programme that begins at 8pm.

       “The signing of a special book in conjunction with Malaysia Day will be the highlight of the celebration,” he said yesterday.

       Safar, who is also the co-chairman for the National Malaysia Day 2021 celebration committee earlier extended an invitation to the Yang di-Pertua Negeri, Tun Juhar Mahiruddin at Istana Seri Kinabalu.

       He said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob is scheduled to attend the event.

       Separately, the Sabah Cultural Board said they would be organising Malaysia Prihatin prayers programme on their Facebook Page and also at selected places of worship.

       The programme involved the Sabah Bumiputera Christian Association, Sabah United Chinese Association, Malaysia Hindu Sangam and Kinabalu Singh Sabha Sabah.