KUCHING: A rainy spell did little to dampen the spirit of people celebrating Chinese New Year across Sarawak and this included newly-appointed Head of State Tun Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar.
As in previous years, the celebration this time around also saw the state’s multiracial community coming together to usher in the Year of the Dragon.
Wan Junaidi and his wife, Toh Puan Fauziah Mohd Sanusi led Sarawakians of all races and beliefs in celebrating the auspicious occasion this year.
On the first day of Chinese New Year, they attended the State-level Chinese New Year Open House at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here.
Wan Junaidi who only recently became Head of State greeted the public and state ministers on his arrival.
And to the waiting media, he conveyed this message to all: “Happy Chinese New Year, I invite all Sarawakians regardless of race and religion to celebrate Gong Xi Fa Cai.”
After being treated to performances, various delicacies, and tossing Yee Sang with ministers, he proceeded to to Kuching South City Council mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng’s residence followed by Federation of Chinese Association of Kuching, Samarahan and Serian Division president Datuk Richard Wee’s residence; and that of Sarawak Australia Business Chamber (SABC) president Rodger Chan.
In the afternnon on the same day, he visited former deputy chief minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan Hong Nam’s residence; Sarawak legal counsel Datuk Seri JC Fong’s residence; and ended his first day of Chinese New Year visits at National Entrepreneurship Institute of Malaysia (INSKEN) Director Datuk Goh Leng Chua’s residence.
The next day, Wan Junaidi and Fauziah continued the spirit of Chinese New Year by visiting Malaysian Buddhist Association Sarawak branch chairman Datuk Seri Dr Tay Chin Kin at his residence.
There, the couple handed over angpows and souvenirs to 38 orphans from Sarawak Orphans’ Welfare Board (Peryatim).
Thereafter they visited Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian at his residence where they were warmly welcomed by Dr Sim with his wife, Datin Amar Enn Ong and their family.
Also accompanying him during the second day of celebration were Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi; Deputy Minister of International Trade and Investment Malcolm Mussen; and others.
