KOTA KINABALU, A total of 89 contingents will take part in a parade ceremony in conjunction with the 71st birthday celebration of Sabah Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Juhar Mahiruddin this Saturday. Deputy Chief Minister II Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam, who is also the Main Committee chairman, said everyone is invited to join the festivities at Padang Merdeka here, scheduled to begin at 6.30 am. He said the parade would feature participation from government departments, private sectors, associations, as well as university and school students. 'To ensure the smooth running of the event, three rehearsal sessions will be held starting tomorrow. 'This event is being coordinated by the Kota Kinabalu City Hall Organising Committee,' he said in a statement today. Dr Joachim added that a total of 12 programmes have been planned to enliven the celebration, with preparations having started as early as last May. Source: BERNAMA News Agency