Song (in pink shirt) dressing up the cat statue for Chinese New Year, together with Wee (3rd right), Sim (in yellow shirt) and other MBKS councillors.
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KUCHING, Jan 2: The presence of Kuching South City Council (MBKS) first mayor Datuk Song Swee Guan came as a pleasant surprise to those who attended the dressing up of Kuching’s famous cat statue at Jalan Padungan.
As the Chinese New Year celebration draws near, the cat statue at the Padungan roundabout had a makeover and Song was given the honour to dress the cat.
Song was the brainchild behind the statue which was built in 1988. Since then, it has become the welcoming icon to people entering Jalan Padungan, one of the busiest streets in the city.
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Current mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng said it was an honour to have Song’s presence at this morning’s ceremony.
“Song, who served from 1988 to 2006 was instrumental in setting the corner stone as a foundation for MBKS, as well as for the city. It became so prominent over the years, and now it is a tourism attraction.
“The seed of his vision has finally sprouted, and we are now enjoying the fruits of his labour. It is imperative that we remember the contributions of our predecessors and honour them, one like Song who erected this significant statue,” Wee said.
The nine-foot tall statue was handsomely dressed in a custom-made red Samfoo and a cute red cap, a traditional Chinese costume that the Chinese community wears during Chinese New Year.
State Local Government Minister Prof Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian, MBKS councilors and several community leaders also attended the event. —DayakDaily
