Seri Sarawak

Seri Sarawak was once the pride of Sarawak State Government. Wherever it sailed Sarawakians (old and young) would flock to the wharves to see the TYT(the Sarawak Governor) arriving or departing. In the beginning of Malaysia the TYT and his family were indeed the few celebrities we had. There were no celebrity chefs or Malaysian Idols or YBs like today,etc.

I remember in particular that there were parties on board the boat was like a floating hotel on the Rajang River!! And many of us teenagers would have a nice evening dreaming about being on the stately boat as we sat by the banks of the Rajang in Sibu.

Such was the opulence of the day.

Nevertheless I was fortunate to be been on board at least once some forty years ago and it was an evening to remember. My friend and I wore identical batik made in Indonesia. Hers was a sarong kebaya. Mine was a kaftan. I wonder if she can still remember that. We had a "cocktail" party which is quite unheard of nowadays.

I was surprised when a friend put a photo on her facebook and I realised that Seri Sarawak was in town! So like an old lady I went to the Marina and had a look....It was rather empty and at night there were no lights.  However even its empty shell still spells glamour.

From this angle the boat resting in the Miri Marina seems to be still elegant and sturdy.....

The front part (bow) is still good looking.

this photo below is by my friend....shows how tired looking the boat is...sitting by the Marina perhaps waiting for some renovation....What will be its future? Who is its owner now?  The rust has set in...and it looks a bit lonesome in the twilight.

There has been talk that it should be reinstated to its former glory and kept as a heritage show piece for Sarawak!!