By Nur Ashikin Louis
KUCHING, Jan 23: Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and his entourage visited a number of open houses held in conjunction with Chinese New Year (CNY) today.
His first public stop for the day was the residence of Batu Kitang assemblyman Lo Khere Chiang and his wife Margaret Lim near Jalan Batu Kawa.
He was joined by Minister of Utility and Telecommunication Datuk Julaihi Narawi, Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Law, MA63 and State-Federal Relations) Datuk Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali, and Centre of Technical Excellence Sarawak (Centexs) chief executive officer Syeed Mohd Hussein.
Abang Johari’s next stop was at Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng’s residence near Jalan Rock where he was welcomed by both Wee and his mother Yap Chew Har.
He also paid a CNY visit to Deputy Premier Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian at the latter’s residence.
He then proceeded to Sarawak Secretary and Enforcement Unit (UKPS) director Datu Dr Chai Khin Chung’s CNY open house at Tabuan Tranquility.
Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah and his wife Datin Sri Zuraini Abdul Jabbar had arrived earlier.
Every stop had one thing in common thing, which is the Chinese tradition of tossing ‘yee sang’ (prosperity toss) — a dish usually comprising of strips of raw fish mixed with shredded vegetables and a variety of sauces and condiments, among other ingredients.
Despite his busy schedule, Abang Johari did not miss the opportunity to spend time visiting friends during CNY, which is one of the most important festivals in Chinese culture.
Yesterday, he also visited several open houses, including those hosted by Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) at Dewan Sa’ati at Jalan Tan Sri Ong Kee Hui, Plaza Merdeka managing director Dato Steve Ng at his residence at Jalan Bamfylde, Sarawak legal advisor Dato Sri Fong Joo Chung at his residence at Jalan Mathies, Normah Medical Specialist Centre chief executive officer Dato Dr Au Yong Kien Hoe at his residence at Jalan Tun Abang Haji Openg, Associated Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Sarawak (ACCCIS) president Dato Tan Jit Kee at his residence at Jalan Ong Tiang Swee, and former Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan at his residence at Jalan Siol Kanan.
— DayakDaily
