Over 20,000 attend ‘Sungkei Perdana’ event in Sibu
Over 20,000 people converged on Dataran Tun Tuanku Bujang Phase 1 here for the ‘Sungkei Perdana’ yesterday evening, despite signs of bad weather.
Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development Sarawak Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee, when met by reporters, said he was ‘a bit worried’ as it had rained heavily earlier in the afternoon.
“But now, hopefully, (the skies are) clearing up and more people are coming in already, and I am expecting more than 20,000 people,” said the Nangka assemblyman, who hailed the mass break-of-fast event as ‘important, in showcasing the strong racial unity and religious harmony not only in Sibu, but across Sarawak’.
“I think this activity has been emulated not only in the nearby towns, but also in Kuching, and I hope in the future the main towns in Sarawak will hold a similar (event).
“Of course, we can rotate which day, as given the good road connectivity, people can move around and break the fast together,” he said.
Dr Annuar was also certain that those attending the event included those from outside Sibu as well.
“This is good not only for the unity, but also for businesses. It will create a lot of business, especially Ramadan bazaar and nearby shops.”
Among those joining the ‘Sungkei Perdana’ were National Unity Minister Dato Sri Aaron Ago Dagang, Sibu Resident Wong Hee Sieng, Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) chairman Clarence Ting and his deputy Mohammed Abdullah Izkandar Roseley, and Sibu Chinese paramount leader Temenggong Dato Vincent Lau.
On another note, Dr Annuar said a unique interfaith Raya gathering would be held either on the fourth or fifth day of Aidilfitri at Sibu Islamic Complex.
“We will invite all nonMuslims to join us for the open house,” he added.
Dr Annuar also said Yang diPertua Negeri Sarawak Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg would join the Sibu folks for the ‘Ramah Tamah Aidilfitri’ celebration this April 13, at Dewan Canselor Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud of University of Technology Sarawak (UTS) here.