KUCHING: Former Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri George Chan Hong Nam marked his 88th birthday with a grand celebration at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching last night (Aug 28).
The event, attended by 888 of his friends and relatives, was a spectacle of elegance and cultural significance.
The number 8, considered auspicious in Chinese culture, was prominently featured with 88 tables set up in the shape of an ‘8,’ in the great hall and a striking 8-foot-long birthday cake.
Among the distinguished guests were Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Dr. Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and his wife, Toh Puan Fauziah Mohd Sanusi.
The event also saw the attendance of Puan Sri Datuk Amar Juma’ani Tun Tuanku Bujang, wife of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, along with Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, and former Kapit MP Tan Sri Datuk Amar Leonard Linggi Jugah.
In his speech, Dr Chan quipped that on reaching the age of 88, he now ‘has a licence to make mistakes, miscount, or be forgetful.
He lightened the mood further with anecdotes about the advantages of forgetfulness, particularly when it comes to remembering birthdays and anniversaries.
“It’s not that I want to forget, but age is catching up with me, so I have the licence to forget,” he quipped.
On a more serious note, Dr Chan stressed the importance of living with a clear conscience and doing what is beneficial for others.
“It’s very important that your conscience is always clear. That way, you can sleep well at night.
“The most important thing in life is to be happy and to have a lot of friends. Tonight, I have so many friends here because I’m happy with them, and they’re happy with me. When everyone is happy, the world becomes a better place,” he added.
He also thanked his wife Datin Patinggi Puan Sri Datuk Wira Lorna Enan Muloon, who meticulously organised the birthday celebration.
