KUCHING: Members of the media surprised Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg with a rendition of Happy Birthday in conjunction with his 76th birthday here Tuesday.
The well-wishes came at the end of the opening ceremony of the 3rd UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) – Creative Cities of Gastronomy Annual Meeting.
Clearly caught off-guard, the Premier looked genuinely surprised before breaking into a wide smile as the birthday song echoed through the venue.
Laughing along with the media, he thanked everyone for the thoughtful gesture.
The celebration became even more meaningful when Kuching Division Journalists Association (KDJA) deputy president Zulazhar Sheblee presented the Premier with a framed photograph of him riding his signature blue motorcycle during the convoy across the newly opened Batang Lupar 1 Bridge earlier this year.
More than just a birthday gift, the photograph was presented as a token of appreciation for the Premier’s unwavering support of the Sarawak media over the years, as well as his openness and accessibility to journalists
