Rousing welcome for Abg Jo at Sibu Airport

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Abang Johari (right) and Wong being welcomed by the big crowd at Sibu Airport.

Abang Johari (right) and Wong being welcomed by the big crowd at Sibu Airport.

SIBU: Big crowds turned up at Sibu Airport yesterday afternoon to welcome Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg on his first official visit to Sibu as Chief Minister.

He arrived here around 1pm and was accompanied from Kuching by Second Finance Minister Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh. Given a red carpet welcome, Abang Johari was received by assistant ministers, representatives from various political parties such as PBB, PRS, SPDP, SUPP and UPP, heads of government departments and community leaders.

Among the dignitaries to welcome him were Assistant Minister for Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Assistant Minister for Science Research and Biotechnology Dr Annuar Rapaee, Dudong assemblyman and Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) chairman Datuk Tiong Thai King, Sibu Resident Hii Chang Kee, Temenggong Dato Vincent Lau and UPP Pelawan chairperson Datuk Janet Lau.

Abang Johari (second left), accompanied by Wong (left), being welcomed by Lau at Sibu Airport. Looking on is Hii.

Abang Johari (second left), accompanied by Wong (left), being welcomed by Lau at Sibu Airport. Looking on is Hii.

Members of PBB and PRS held up banners to welcome Abang Johari. Immediately after touching down, the Chief Minister shook hands with all the well-wishers. From there, he proceeded to Sibu Indoor Stadium for the prize-giving ceremony of the Victor Far East Malaysia Masters badminton final.

Meanwhile, Dr Annuar, who is Nangka assemblyman, said this was Abang Johari’s first official function in Sibu after being appointed as Chief Minister.

“This is his first function outside Kuching and it is an honour for Sibu people,” he said.

Meanwhile, prior to his appointment as Chief Minister, Abang Johari helmed the Deputy Chief Minister post. Abang Johari is Satok assemblyman since 1981.Among the posts he had held were Chief Political Secretary to the Chief Minister (1982), Assistant Minister of Regional and Community Development (1984), Minister of Industrial Development (1987-2000), Minister of Tourism (2000), Minister of Housing (2004), Minister of Housing and Urbanisation (2009) and Minister of Housing and Minister of Tourism (2011).

Currently, Abang Johari holds the portfolios of Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Minister of Resource Planning and Environment, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture and Minister of Housing and Urbanisation.