KUCHING: Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg took the opportunity to 'ngabang' (pay a social visit) to the residence of former Sarawak Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Alfred Jabu Numpang in conjunction with the Gawai Dayak celebration on Monday.

Arriving at around noon, he was warmly received by members of Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu’s family.

The Sarawak Premier spent approximately one and a half hours interacting and sharing a meal with the veteran Sarawak politician, who was among the state’s longest-serving Deputy Chief Ministers, having held the position since 1974 before retiring from politics in 2016.

Speaking to reporters, Datuk Patinggi Alfred Jabu said the tradition of visiting one another during festive occasions such as Gawai Dayak, Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Chinese New Year reflects the sincerity of Sarawakians in fostering unity among the various races and communities.

He said the spirit of living together in harmony, embodied in the concept of 'Segulai Sejalai', has not only become a way of life for the people of Sarawak but is now also recognised nationally as a positive example of unity.

“Now is an appropriate time, especially during festive seasons such as Gawai, to bring along the younger generation so that they can get to know their relatives and friends.

“We also have friends from Penang and other parts of Malaysia who come here to celebrate Gawai. They not only visit my family and me but also call on other friends as well.

“This is something positive and we are truly grateful for it,” he said.

Touching on the state’s development, he praised the leadership of the Sarawak Premier, describing him as people-oriented, humble and equipped with a clear long-term vision for the future of the state.

He noted that the Sarawak Government is currently focused on narrowing the development gap between urban and rural areas through various initiatives, including the provision of free tertiary education at state-owned institutions and the continued development of rural infrastructure.

Also present were the Sarawak Premier’s daughter, Dayang Norjihan Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari; Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Amar Fadillah Yusof, Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Professor Dr Sim Kui Hian, Speaker of the Sarawak Legislative Assembly Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nasar, members of the Sarawak Cabinet, including ministers and deputy ministers; heads of departments; and other distinguished guests. -UKASnews

Prepared by: Ahmad Daniel Faiz
Photos: Muhd Zulfadhli Ahmad Sharir
Translator: Uilson Ng