By Nazmi Suhaimi & Allan Jay
KUCHING: Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg grabbed the opportunity to strengthen the spirit of unity in the state by visiting a number of Chinese friends here on the first two days of the Chinese New Year.
On Saturday, the first day of the Chinese New Year, he attended Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) open house at the party headquarters and was there as early as 10am.
After that, he visited state legal counsel Datuk Seri JC Fong, Plaza Merdeka Group managing director Datuk Steve Ng Thian Yew and Normah Medical Specialist Centre managing director and chief executive officer Datuk Dr Au Yong Kien Hoe.
In the afternoon, the chief minister visited Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Deputy Minister Chong Chieng Jen’s open house at the Association of Churches in Sarawak building.
After that, Abang Johari visited Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) chairman and Batu Kitang assemblyman Lo Khere Chiang, State Safety and Enforcement Unit Director Datuk Dr Chai Khin Chung and Segi Group of universities board member Datuk Goh Leng Chua.
On Sunday morning, Abang Johari visited Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Seri Sim Kui Hian, Kuching Chinese General Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCGCCI) president Datuk Tan Jit Kee and also KCGCCI Digital Economy Committee chairman Rodger Chan Siong Boh.
In the afternoon, the chief minister visited Kuching South City Council (MBKS) mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng and Federation of Chinese Associations of Kuching, Samarahan and Serian Divisions (Hua Zong) president Datuk Richard Wee.
Photos: Ramidi Subari & Ghazali Bujang
Abang Johari clasping his hands together in the traditional Chinese New Year greeting at SUPP’s open house. 
Abang Johari (second right) tries his hand at Chinese calligraphy with his deputies Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas (second left) and Tan Sri Dr James Jemut Masing (right); and Dr Sim (third left) as Transport Minister Datuk Lee Kim Shin (left) watches. 
A large crowd has gathered at SUPP’s open house to greet Abang Johari. 
Abang Johari is all smiles as he carries Dr Chai’s grandchild. 
Abang Johari sharing a light moment with Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr James Jemut Masing (left) and Wee (right). 
HARMONY SPEAKS…Abang Johari Tun Openg, Dr James Masing and Abdul Karim try out the classic motorcycles during their Chinese New Year visit to the open house of (right) Rodger Chan. Others in the photo are members of Rodger’s family and his guests. 
Abang Johari (fourth left), Juma’ani (fifth left) and guests tossing the yee sang for abundant luck and happiness at Dr Sim’s (third left) open house. 
Abang Johari at Lo’s open house. 
A man of the people, Abang Johari greets guests while attending Lo’s open house. 
Abang Johari being greeted by JC Fong. 
Abang Johari being welcomed by Dr Sim upon his arrival at SUPP’s Chinese New Year open house. 
Abang Johari and Juma’ani at a photocall with Dr Sim Kui Hian and mother Datin Amar Lim Su Kheng during the Chinese New Year visit at the Minister of Local Govrenment and Houisng Chinese New Year Open House. Also seen are (from left) Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Tan Sri Datuk Amar James Masing, Datin Enn Ong and Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah. 
Political differences are not a barrier when it comes to festivals, as seen by Abang Johari (fifth left) at Sarawak Pakatan Harapan’s (PH) Chinese New Year open house together. Also seen are (from left) Padungan assemblyman Wong King Wei; Puan Sri Datin Amar Corrine Masing; Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr James Jemut Masing, Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii (behind Abang Johari); Chong; Assistant Minister of Infrastructure and Ports Development Datuk Julaihi Narawi; Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister’s Department (Law, State-Federal Relations and Project Monitoring) Datuk Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali; and Pending assemblywoman Violet Yong.
