40,000 throng BCCK for Abang Johari’s Raya open house

Abang Johari speaking to reporters before wrapping up his Hari Raya open house.

By Nigel Edgar

KUCHING, June 6: Roughly 40,000 people from all walks of life visited Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg’s 2-day Hari Raya Aidilfitri open house at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK), which ended today.

Among those who turned up today were Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud and wife, Toh Puan Raghad Kurdi Taib, who arrived around noon.


The chief minister said he was happy his open house managed to attract so many wellwishers, including those from different political affiliations.

“We recorded some 20,000 visitors coming yesterday (June 5), and the same today as well. Despite the current discouraging economic atmosphere, the (Hari Raya) celebration is still very lively, with people from all walks of life, religious and racial backgrounds and even from different political views getting together in peace and harmony to celebrate Hari Raya,” he told reporters covering the event.

Abang Johari (left) and wife, Datin Patinggi Datuk Amar Juma’ani Tun Tuanku Bujang (right), in a photocall with Taib and Raghad.
Abang Johari (wearing songkok) with Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) members, including Batang Ai assemblyman Malcolm Mussen Lamoh (fourth from left) and Tamin assemblyman Christopher Gira (third from left).
Abang Johari wheeling his elder sister, Dayang Meliah, 84.

Coincidentally, he added, Hari Raya this year was also celebrated together with Gawai Dayak, and he noticed that the visitors exuded double celebratory moods.

“This is what we are proud of in Sarawak because Sarawakians come to this open house together to celebrate Raya and Gawai despite being from different racial and religious backgrounds and different political affiliations.

“As long as we are strong and united, we will be able to enjoy the peace and harmony that we are having now,” he emphaised. — DayakDaily

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