LIMBANG: Chief Minister, Datuk Patinggi (Dr) Abang Johari Tun Openg, born on August 4, 1950, continued to celebrate his 68th birthday in Limbang, his hometown, yesterday.
Joining him in the celebration were members of the Limbang community. Abang Johari yesterday also officiated at the annual luncheon of the Kedayans here at Kampung Patiambun. In his speech, he advised the Kedayans to preserve their culture, language and customs.
The state government, he said, would provide scholarships through Yayasan Sarawak to help children of the community go for higher studies, especially in the field of linguistics as well as undertake studies on the Kedayan culture.
Abang Johari added that he would also ask Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) to assist Kedayan students in undertaking studies on their community. He disclosed that RM2 million had been allocated for the construction of the Kedayan Cultural Centre in Sibuti. He revealed that the Kedayan Association in Miri had been allocated RM100,000 while the Limbang Kedayan Association would also have its own cultural centre once the site had been identified.
Abang Johari also approved an allocation of RM500,000 to upgrade the road in Kampung Patiambun. He and his entourage also visited a traditional house in the village to enjoy a traditional Kedayan lunch.
Also present were Deput y Chief Minister, Datuk Amar Haji Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, Sabah Education Minister, Datuk Dr Yusuf Bin Yacob, Assistant Minister of Agriculture, Dr Abdul Rahman Ismail, Assistant Minister of Women, Family and Childhood Development, Rosey Yunus, Lawas Member of Parliament, Dato Henry Sum Agong, Limbang Member of Parliament, Haji Hasbi Habibollah, Lambir State Assemblyman, Ripin Lamat, Residen Bahagian Limbang, Ahmad Denney Ahmad Fauzi and Lawas District Officer, Ladin Atok.
