Some of those present taking the opportunity to pose with (from sixth left) Rohani, Nancy and Tanjung Manis MP Datuk Norah Tun Abdul Rahman.

KUALA LUMPUR: About 10,000 Sarawakians gathered at Bukit Jalil Stadium Complex here on Saturday night to attend the opening of the 8th ‘Lan Berambeh Anak Sarawak’ carnival.

The majority of those present were either working, studying, or doing business in the peninsula.

Several hundreds of people from the state also flew in specifically to join in the three-day gathering, which ended yesterday.

Present were Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud, his wife Toh Puan Ragad Kurdi Taib, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem, his wife Datin Patinggi Datuk Jamilah Anu, State Legislative Assembly Speaker Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nasar, as well as state and federal ministers from the state.

Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Rohani Abdul Karim, also organising chairperson, said the carnival enjoyed overwhelming response from Sarawakians living in the peninsula.

Hence, it had grown from a simple dinner gathering to a carnival over the years. It is aimed at strengthening ties among Sarawakians who live outside the state, promote the state’s products, and provide a platform for state leaders to update them on happenings back home.

The gathering on Saturday was one of fun and joy, with several dignitaries taking to the stage to entertain the crowd with evergreen hits.

Adenan led the way with an Elvis Presley song, followed by Ministers in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Idris Jala and Nancy Shukri. Rohani also rendered the ‘Hey Jude’ number.

Impressed with the overwhelming response and its noble objectives, Adenan said he wanted it to become an annual event.


Rohani (second right) presenting a memento to Taib and Ragad. – Bernama photo


(From left) Jamilah, Adenan, Taib, Ragad and Rohani responding to cheers from about 10,000 people attending the launch of the three-day carnival on Saturday. – Bernama photo