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By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Sept 13: Sarawak greatly respects the institution of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong despite not practicing the sultanate system like in Peninsular Malaysia, says Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He said the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah’s presence for 11 days in Sabah and Sarawak for the ‘Kembara Kenali Borneo’ tour shows that the constitutional monarch has a unique role as an umbrella for the unity, prosperity and stability of the country.
“Therefore, Sarawak greatly respects the institution of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong even though the State does not practice the sultanate system like the states in Peninsular Malaysia.
“For the sake of a whole and strong Malaysia, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong becomes the father of us Malaysians,” he said during a state banquet for His Majesty and his entourage at Pullman Hotel here last night (Sept 12).
Abang Johari further congratulated all the members of the organising committee who have worked tirelessly in implementing various programmes and events in conjunction with the ‘Kembara Kenali Borneo’ tour from Sept 3 until today (Sept 13).
Abang Johari was also present to welcome the arrival of the King and Queen Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah in Sibu on Sept 11, who also had the opportunity to have breakfast and greet the people at Sibu Central Market.
“The very lively receptions at all the stopovers and along the route from Lawas to Miri, Bintulu, Sebauh, Tatau, Sibu, Simanggang and Kuching clearly show that both the King and Queen are very friendly and people-oriented.
“You both are the King and Queen for all Malaysians,” he added.
Amongst those present at the banquet were acting Sarawak Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar and wife Puan Sri Datin Amar Fatimah Mohamad Iskandar; Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and wife Puan Sri Datuk Amar Juma’ani Tuanku Bujang; Deputy Prime Minister Dato Seri Fadillah Yusof and wife Datin Seri Ruziah Mohd Tahir; Dewan Negara president Tan Sri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and wife Puan Sri Fauziah Mohd Sanusi; Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan and Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian; and Sabah Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Shahelmey Yahya and wife Datin Dayang Siti Nur Hayyati Ag Mohd Saufi. — DayakDaily
