MIRI, August 31: Over 600 guests joined Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg for a Hi-Tea reception at a hotel here today to commemorate National Day.
Abang Johari, accompanied by his wife Datin Patinggi Juma’ani Tuanku Bujang, arrived at the event at 9.30am.
Among those present at the reception themed “Sayangi Malaysiaku” were Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, State Legislative Assembly Speaker Datuk Amar Mohammad Asfia Awang Nassar, members of the State Cabinet, assistant ministers and other dignitaries.
These included Minister in the Chief Minister’s Department (Integrity and Ombudsman) Datuk Talib Zulpilip, Assistant Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Lee Kim Shin, Assistant Minister for Women, Family and Childhood Development Rosey Yunus, Assistant Minister of Law, as well as State-Federal Relations and Project Monitoring Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali.
Other prominent figures included former deputy chief minister Tan Sri Dr George Chan and wife Puan Sri Lorna Enan Muloon.
Abang Johari, in his National Day message, emphasised the need for Sarawak government to continue working together with the new Federal government under the leadership of Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad to safeguard the interest of the people of Sarawak.
“The State government is banking on the Federal government’s seriousness to develop Sarawak, especially on its infrastructure development and solution to rebuild or refurbish dilapidated schools in the state.
“We hope that Putrajaya is concerned for development in the state as it will further cultivate the loyalty spirit of Sarawakians towards Malaysia in line with the theme of this year’s National day celebration – Love My Malaysia,” he said.
This year, which marks 55 years since Sarawak joined to form Malaysia with North Borneo and Federation of Malaya, will see the state pursuing more robust development to ensure the people of Sarawak enjoy basic amenities and infrastructures, Abang Johari continued.
The Hi-Tea reception was lit up with the performance of 30 dancers from “Bangkit Berinspirasi” who performed a welcoming dance that reflected the unity and harmony of multi-racial Sarawak.
Abang Johari also unveiled a heart-shape gimmick that reflected the unity and harmony of various ethnic groups in Sarawak in light of the National Day celebration. — DayakDaily
