By Christopher Lidom
KUCHING, Jan 20: Prime Minister Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim was welcomed with open arms by locals and food stall operators at Kubah Ria Complex this evening during the ‘Program Jelajah Kerajaan Perpaduan’.
The programme was held in conjunction with the Prime Minister’s first two-day official visit to Sarawak.
Arriving at about 2pm after performing his Friday prayers at Masjid Jamek in Petra Jaya, he was accompanied by Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, together with Deputy Prime Minister Dato Sri Fadillah Yusof.
Following that, Anwar conducted a brief walkabout at the complex to greet locals patronising the numerous eateries and stalls there, including the stall owners.
Both he and Abang Johari also took the opportunity to stop by an ice-cream shop to try making a ‘Gula Apong’ (palm sugar) ice-cream before proceeding to their table for lunch together with local community leaders and state dignitaries.
After spending about an hour at Kubah Ria, Anwar then took his leave to visit His Excellency Yang Di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud at his residence in Demak Jaya, Bako.
Meanwhile, Nur Aida Farida, 33, owner of the ice-cream shop where the Prime Minister made his stop earlier, said she was shocked and at the same time surprised to meet Anwar in person.
According to her, even though they were informed three days earlier about the visit, she was still a bit nervous when the Prime Minister stopped by.
“I am glad that he made the effort to visit, and hoped that he will continue to come down to Sarawak and visit other places as well,” she added.
On the same note, patron Laing Budah, 66, described Anwar’s visit as unique.
He explained that instead of choosing a luxurious venue to organise the event, the Prime Minister held it at public places such as Kubah Ria in order to meet the people.
“This is the kind of leader that we want,” he said.
Also present at the event were Sarawak Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian; Women, Family and Community Development Minister Dato Sri Nancy Shukri; Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Minister Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah and other distinguished guests. — DayakDaily
