Taib and Ragad (centre) with Adenan (fourth left), Jamilah (right), Abang Johari (second left) and others pose with a lucky draw winner Mohamad Suhaimi Awang Md Daud (fourth right). — Photo by Muhammad Rais Sanusi
KUCHING: Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem has vowed to support bike-related activities under one condition – that bikers promise to put Sarawak on the international map.
“I am with you all the way. I will support you all the way if you promise to put us on the world biking map,” he said at Kuching International Bike Week 2015 Gala Dinner at Imperial Hotel here on Saturday.
Adenan said he was proud to be associated with local and international bikers at the gathering, where laughter echoed whenever he cracked jokes. Before making his way to the stage, Adenan received thunderous applause from the crowd.
“I have never seen so many enthusiastic motorcyclists in my life. You vroom, vroom, vroom to Kuching and this makes (Tourism Minister Datuk Amar) Abang Johari (Tun Abang Openg) happy because you put Kuching on the world map, making it known to more tourists.
“The government is prepared to sponsor (future similar events), so do not worry. And thank you for putting us on the world map.”Adenan was pleased to note that more than 200 bikers had rumbled all the way from Brunei for the four-day event.
Earlier, Abang Johari said the bike week was the first of its kind hosted by the state, while the Sarawak government pledged RM100,000 for it. He said the participation from bikers from nearby countries indicated their interests to promote social activities, especially the sport.
“I feel very, very young seeing these bikers. Under the leadership of our chief minister, Sarawak will continue to promote this sport.”
Abang Johari added his ministry would include the Kuching International Bike Week in its calendar of events for the year. He believed the bikers would enjoy a smooth ride once the Pan Borneo Highway was completed in the coming years.
“When we have the quality highway, you all will have an enjoyable journey, covering Sabah, Brunei, Sarawak and Kalimantan, all the places in Borneo. We can enjoy when we have the first class Pan Borneo Highway.”
Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud and wife Toh Puan Dato Sri Ragad Kurdi Taib were the guests of honour at the dinner. Among those present were Adenan’s wife Datin Patinggi Datuk Jamilah Anu and Assistant Minister for Youth Development (Urban Areas) Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.