People from all races in a photo call with (seated from fourth right) Their Excellencies Norkiah and Salahuddin, Ting and family and other dignitaries.
Head of State Salahuddin (seated, fifth left) flanked by his wife and Ting and other dignitaries in a photo call with the lion dance troupe. Wan Morshidi is seated at left.
MIRI: Former political secretary to the Minister of Energy, Green Technology and Water Datuk Sebastian Ting’s Chinese New Year open house yesterday was a showcase of racial harmony and solidarity among the people here.
The open house was a grand affair held to welcome Head of State Tun Datuk Patinggi Muhammad Salahuddin Abang Barieng and wife Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Norkiah and his entourage. Hundreds of people from all strata of society joined Ting and his family in welcoming their head of state and his entourage.
Among those present were former deputy chief minister Datuk Patinggi Dr George Chan and wife, Datuk Lorna, Assistant Minister of Resources Planning Datuk Mohd Naroden Majais, Sibuti MP Ahmad Lai Bujang, Miri Resident Antonio Kahti Galis, senior government officials, community leaders and members of various associations.
Radio Television Malaysia Miri also broadcast the event live.
Ting who is also Piasau Camp Miri Nature Park Society chairman was delighted with the overwhelming turnout and the unity shown by people from all races. Even the head of state and his wife were very pleased with the show of unity.
“I am so happy that so many people came…because our TYT (Salahuddin) and Toh Puan came, people came in throngs to take photographs (with Their Excellencies), and it was very memorable for them. Their Excellencies were so…gracious…allowing the people to freely take photographs with them,” Ting told The Borneo Post yesterday.
Meanwhile, Miri Malay Association (PMM) president Datuk Wan Morshidi Tuanku Abdul Rahman concurred with Ting on the strong racial harmony and solidarity showcased.
“I really like to see an occasion like this where you see so many people of different races interacting harmoniously. Even those working today made an effort to come for the open house to join in the celebration,” he said.
Wan Morshidi suggested that to enhance greater cultural understanding and also harmony among the people, PMM should also introduce the open house into their annual calendar of activities.