Singing at a function has become a norm for Adenan.
MIRI: The phrases “Oha” and “You You” have become synonymous with Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem, but nobody has tried to trace their origins.
For the first time ever, Adenan revealed that the inspiration behind his catchphrases was due to his upbringing among the various races in Sarawak.
For ‘Oha’ he explained that it loosely meant in Iban “Datai situk aku nak berjako” or in English “Please come here I want to talk to you.”
But the Chief Minister came up with his own interpretation by stressing that for him ‘Oha’ meant “I love Sarawak”.
Adenan, breaking away from protocol, prefers to be simply addressed as Chief Minister Adenan or Adenan during official functions, believes the uniqueness of the catchphrase has united Sarawakians, regardless of age, gender, race or religion.
Adenan made the revelation at the dinner with Chief Minister and Barisan Nasional Direct candidate for the Pujut seat, Datuk Hii King Chiong, last night.
As for “you you”, he said it was inspired by young couples who intended to go out for a date in the old days.
Without explaining in detail, he said when someone mentioned the word “you you” then automatically it meant a date.
Adenan, a big fan of English Premier League club Arsenal and the late Elvis Presley has given Hii a nickname, Datuk Elvis, as he has similarities to the late singer, especially Hii’s thick sideburns. – Bernama