KUCHING: Head of State, Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, and his wife, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi, officially began their Chinese New Year visits by attending the state-level open house at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) today.
Arriving at about 10 am, the couple were received by Deputy Prime Minister, Datuk Amar Fadillah Yusof; National Unity Minister, Datuk Seri Aaron Ago Dagang; Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian; Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Minister, Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom; as well as Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
Approximately 5,000 people attended the event, which was held from 10 am to 2 pm.
During the celebration, Wan Junaidi and Fauziah participated in the ‘yee sang’ tossing ceremony alongside other dignitaries.
Dr Sim later presented Chinese calligraphy to Wan Junaidi as a token of appreciation for his presence at the open house.
At around 11.50 am, the couple departed BCCK to continue their Chinese New Year visits at the open house hosted by State Legal Counsel, Datuk Seri JC Fong, at the Waterfront Hotel.
They were warmly received by the host and invited guests.
Two captivating dance performances were specially staged in honour of the Head of State and his entourage.
The performances blended traditional Chinese cultural elements with graceful choreography, drawing applause from the audience and adding vibrancy to the celebration.
Guests were also treated to a wide array of festive delicacies and cultural performances, including an energetic lion dance that further enlivened the atmosphere.
Wan Junaidi and Fauziah later continued their visits to the residence of the president of the Federation of Chinese Associations of Sarawak, Datuk Seri Richard Wee Liang Chuat.
The couple arrived at Wee’s residence at about 2.30 pm, where they were warmly welcomed by Wee and his family.
Wee was recently elected president of the association for the 2025-2028 term.
The final stop of the day was at the residence of Datuk Seri Tay Chin Kin, where they arrived at about 4 pm.
Tay, who is also the chairman of the Malaysia Buddhist Association Sarawak branch and the Che Hia Khor Moral Uplifting Society Sarawak (CHKMUS), received the couple together with his family.
With that, Wan Junaidi and Fauziah concluded their Chinese New Year visits for the day.
They are scheduled to continue their visits tomorrow to Dr Cheong Yaw Liang and Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor, Datuk Wee Hong Seng.
