KUCHING: Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg led an entourage on a series of visits to prominent figures in conjunction with the Chinese New Year celebration.
Abang Johari and his wife Datuk Amar Juma’ani Tun Tuanku Bujang began their tradition of spreading the festive cheer at the state-level CNY Open House at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK),
After that, Abang Johari and his entourage proceeded to the Waterfront Hotel to join State Legal Counsel Datuk Seri JC Fong’s CNY Open House.
Upon arrival at 11.45am, Fong and his wife Datin Seri Annie Fong warmly welcomed the Premier and his entourage before accompanying them into the Ranyai Ballroom for the event.
Abang Johari’s entourage included Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan and his wife Datuk Dayang Morliah Awang Daud, along with Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah and his wife Datin Seri Zuraini Abdul Jabbar.
Other dignitaries in attendance were Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof and his wife Datin Sri Ruziah Mohd Tahir, and Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) speaker Datuk Amar Tan Sri Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar and his wife Puan Sri Datin Amar Fatimah Mohamad Iskandar.
After about one hour, Abang Johari and his entourage proceeded to the residence of Plaza Merdeka Managing Director Datuk Steve Ng at Jalan Bampfylde, followed by a visit to Normah Medical Specialist Centre Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Datuk Dr Au Yong Kien Hoe’s residence at Jalan Tun Abang Haji Openg.
At 2.50pm, Abang Johari and his entourage graced the residence of Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Datuk Tan Jit Kee at Jalan Ong Tiang Swee.
Later in the evening, Abang Johari and his wife, Juma’ani arrived at the former deputy chief minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan’s residence.
Other notable guests present at his house were Minister of Tourism, Creative Industries and Performing Arts Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah; Deputy Minister of Energy and Environmental Sustainability Datuk Dr Hazland Abg Hipni; Deputy Minister of International Trade and Investment Malcolm Mussen; Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Law, MA63, and State-Federal Relations) Datuk Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali; and Tanjung Datu assemblyman Azizul Annuar Adenan.
On the second day, Abang Johari and his wife continued their festive visits despite a heavy downpour.
They went to Batu Kitang assemblyman Datuk Lo Khere Chiang’s residence at Jalan Stapok Avenue around 10.50am.
Lo and his wife Margaret Lim as well as Senator Datuk Ahmad Ibrahim greeted Abang Johari and his entourage before partaking in the ‘yee sang’ ceremony.
The Premier left for the residence of Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Sustainability Datuk Seri Huang Tiong Sii at Jalan Stampin Tengah.
Huang and his wife Datin Seri Law Yu Hui greeted Abang Johari and his entourage around 11.50am.
Also present at the Sarikei MP’s residence were Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, Serian MP Datuk Seri Richard Riot Jaem, Deputy Minister of Transport Datuk Harry Henry Jinep, Satok assemblyman Datuk Ibrahim Baki, and Federation of Chinese Associations of Sarawak president Datuk Richard Wee.
Abang Johari and his entourage then departed for Kuching Teo Chew Association’s open house at Jalan Tabuan around 1pm.
Their arrival was warmly welcomed by the association’s president Chiew Boon Shen, organising chairman Tan Kay Hock, the association’s deputy treasurer Datuk Sim Kiang Chiok, and advisors See Chee How, Datuk Steven Ng Thian Yew, Datuk Wee Song Ching and Temenggong Datuk Tan Joo Poi.
Abang Johari and his entourage next visited the residences of Kuching South City Council (MBKS) mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng and Federation of Chinese Associations of Sarawak president Datuk Richard Wee.
In the coming days, the Premier will continue his CNY visits to Miri, Sibu and Bintulu.
