KUCHING: Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg brought festive cheer to thousands at his second day of Hari Raya open house at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) today (Apr 11) with lively song performances.
Abang Johari entertained the crowd with a rendition of the classic P Ramlee song “Suara Takbir,” which had everyone grooving along.
Later, he was joined by chief political secretary to the Premier, Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman to sing the Iban classic “Biar Bekikis Bulu Betis.”
The entertainment continued as Kuching North City Council (DBKU) mayor Hilmy Othman joined them for a Malay classic “Yale Yale Yale” and Teresa Teng’s “Yue Liang Dai Biao Wo De Xin,” with the Chinese crowd joining in the singing.
Amidst the lively performances, attendees enjoyed a variety of delicacies including apam balik, chicken curry, beef rendang and biryani rice.
Reflecting on the event, Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Bukit Semuja Youth information chief Aaron Nagai, 22, praised the state government’s efforts in hosting successful gatherings at BCCK.
“Sarawak, being the forefront of unity, it’s exemplified in this event, just celebrating one another. We intend to continue this celebration of culture and I view this as a beautiful union,” he said.
Similarly, civil servant Amirul Firdaus, 26, shared his positive experience at the event, noting the sense of togetherness and unity among attendees from different backgrounds.
“I came to accompany my Dad, this is my first time. There’s a sense of togetherness here. You can see a table there, Malay, Dayak and Chinese all seated in one table, this event is really good,” he said.
The joyous occasion was also celebrated by Yasmin Zaidi, 34, a civil servant, who expressed excitement at the large turnout and the opportunity to share wonderful meals with the Premier and other state leaders.
“This is the second day, a joyous occasion, where you see everyone coming to indulge in wonderful meals together with the Premier, and other state leaders. This is also the last day to celebrate Hari Raya with the Premier,” she added.
For the record, 10,814 guests were in attendance during the second day of the Premier’s Hari Raya open house.