Sarawak Yang di-Pertua Negeri Abang Muhammad Salahuddin Abang Barieng turns 92 this year and despite his age, he does not seem to slow down judging by the number of activities, official or otherwise, that he has attended over the past year.

He is very much active in holding and attending events like Hari Raya celebrations and government events, including attending marriage ceremonies upon invitation by his close families and associates.

Abang Muhammad Salahuddin, who is the sixth head of state, had reassumed office on Nov 30, 2011.

Described as a leader who is “always close to the people”, he is always seen engaging in small talks with those around him and his friendliness is seen during the recent Hari Raya gathering held at his son-in-law’s house in Sibu where he joked and chatted heartily with his family members and well wishers.

Come tomorrow, more than 4,000 people from the various uniformed and non-uniformed contingents and performers will entertain the huge crowd expected at the state stadium at Petra Jaya in Kuching in conjunction with the 92nd birthday bash starting at 8am.

To be led by the state Social Development Ministry, the performers will put up dances, medley of songs and other interesting acts.

According to a statement from the Sarawak Information Department, he and his wife Norkiah, would be received by Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud, minister-in-charge of the celebrations, Wong Soon Koh, state secretary Mohd Morshidi Abdul Ghani and other committee members.

Then his excellency will be brought to inspect a guard-of-honour and the 92 contingents before proceeding for the parade.

Other itinerary included the presentation of a special birthday cake and a birthday song by music from the ‘angklung’ performed by children and the chief minister’s address to the crowd.

- Bernama