KUCHING: There is nothing more beautiful than the people of Sarawak coming together as one to celebrate any festivities, especially during this Hari Raya Aidilfitri.
This was seen at the open house hosted by the Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg and his wife Datuk Amar Juma’ani Tun Tuanku Bujang at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) three days ago.
More than 40,000 people thronged the venue on Wednesday and Thursday, and had waited in line as early as 9am as the open house was scheduled to begin at 10am.
Members of the public regardless of their ethnicity, religion and cultural background went on to share the joy with the chief minister.
On a short note, the chief minister thanked everyone from far and near who had visited him.
“A lot of people came to visit. It is good for our unity. I am very pleased as the Bidayuh, Chinese, Iban, Orang Ulu, Indian are here. I am very happy, as I managed to shake hands with all of them,” he said in excitement.
He added that the peace and harmony have been what Sarawakians are proud of and the people must continue to remain strong and united in order to be able to enjoy the peacefulness in the state.
Meanwhile, the crowd also had a photo-taking opportunity with Abang Johari and his wife.
The chief minister too was seen assisting the crowd to partake of the food.
There were also live bands entertaining the crowd with Hari Raya and Gawai songs.
Among those present on the first day were Deputy Chief Ministers Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, former deputy chief minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu Numpang, other Cabinet Ministers, elected representatives, and community leaders.
Also, political affiliations set aside their differences and took the opportunity to spend some time at the open house.
Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Deputy Minister, who is also Pakatan Harapan (PH) Sarawak chairman, Chong Chieng Jen and other Democratic Action Party (DAP) members also took photographs with Abang Johari and his brother Datuk Abang Abdul Karim Tun Openg.
The Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud and his wife Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Raghad Kurdi Taib, former deputy chief minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan and his wife were among those who visited on the second day of Raya.
Also present were Abang Johari’s elder sisters Dayang Mastijah, 87, and Dayang Meliah, 84.
