CM, ministers stay on to mingle with visitors at Istana Raya open house
KOTA KINABALU: It was a gesture that warmed the hearts of many when Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Mohd Shafie Apdal and several of his cabinet ministers stayed on at the Istana to mingle with the crowd during the annual Hari Raya open house hosted by Head of State Tun Juhar bin Mahiruddin and his wife Toh Puan Norlidah binti Tan Sri RM Jasni yesterday.
Earlier, the Chief Minister and his cabinet had attended the annual Hari Raya open house for VVIPs at the Istana from 10am to 11am but decided to remain to mingle with the public from 11am to 1pm.
Acknowledging the gesture, the Head of State extended his best wishes to the new government and even sang two of his favourite songs to entertain his guests.
Appearing relaxed and in fine mood, Juhar said: “This is the first time the Chief Minister and some of his cabinet ministers have joined me for the second part of the open house to celebrate this happy occasion with the people. It proves they are with the people and for the people. I am very glad they’re with me,” he said when addressing the crowd.
Other than Shafie, the ministers who remained for the second session of the open house were Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment, Christina Liew; Minister of Health and People’s Well-being, Stephen Wong and Minister of Youth and Sports, Frankie Poon.
After his brief address, Juhar rendered the two songs - One Night by Elvis Presley and Angin Malam that was made popular by Indonesian singer Broery Marantika.
He dedicated One Night to his wife and everyone present at the event.
Accompanying the Head of State on drums was his son, Al Hambra and the Sabah Cultural Board Combo.
Meanwhile, the Chief Minister invites the public to the Yayasan Sabah building today, Sunday (June 17) at 10am to attend the Hari Raya Aidilfitri open house hosted by the Chief Minister and Cabinet Ministers of Sabah.