(From left) Henry, Abang Johari, Raghad, Taib, Liew and family members appear all smiles in this photo-call.
KUCHING: This year’s Chinese New Year celebration for Dato Patrick Liew and family was a special and memorable one as they received the visit by Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud for the first time.
Liew said they were pleasantly surprised when told that Taib had agreed to come to the family’s open house this year.
“This was first time that we invited the Head of State to our open house. We are indeed honoured to host his visit today (yesterday),” said Liew, who is Ouryouth.my founder and director and also Sarawak Lawn Tennis Association (SLTA) president, when asked for comments at his house that day.
Taib, who was with his wife Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Raghad Kurdi Taib, spent some time at Liew’s house where they were introduced to Liew’s wife Datin Diana Tay, their four children Patsda, Angeline, Melvin and Michelle and two grandchildren.
Putra Sentosa Group of Companies chief executive officer Dato Henry Harry Jinep, his wife Datin Christina Esni Mied and daughter Eunice, who were visiting Liew at that time, also joined the guests at the main table.
Henry, a Bidayuh corporate figure, was recently announced as the Sarawak Progressive Democratic Party (SPDP)’s nominated candidate for Tasik Biru.
Housing Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg was the minister joining Taib’s entourage for the CNY visits to several open houses here.
Meanwhile, Liew – who is also Saratim Insurance Agency Services Sdn Bhd general manager – received many visits from friends and associates at his family’s two-day open house.
The return of his youngest daughter and former state tennis player Michelle, after many years of studying and working in the United States, made the celebrations even more special.