SAMARAHAN: Over 3,000 people thronged the Kota Samarahan Civic Centre courtyard here to witness the launching ceremony of Sarawakku Sayang 2020 programme yesterday.
The ceremony was officiated by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg who was joined by other dignitaries in playing traditional instruments in a launching gimmick.
The programme was organised by the Sarawak government to highlight Abang Johari’s contribution towards the state’s achievements and developments over the last three years as chief minister.
At the ceremony, the official theme song for the programme titled, ‘Sarawakku Sayang’ was unveiled where guests as well as the audience sang along to the catchy tune.
Abang Johari also celebrated his three-year anniversary of becoming Sarawak’s sixth Chief Minister on Jan 13, 2017.
He was presented a ‘pulut kuning’ anniversary cake which he and his wife, Datuk Amar Juma’ani Tun Tuanku Bujang cut during the ceremony.
At the function, the chief minister presented land titles to community leaders and village chiefs who received them on behalf of their villagers from areas around Samarahan.
Temenggong Chek Bujang and Temenggong Anthony Nipak both presented souvenirs to Abang Johari. His wife also received a souvenir from village chief Saptuyah Ja’al.
Also present were Deputy Chief Ministers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Jemut Masing, State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Speaker Datuk Amar Mohd Asfia Awang Nassar and State Secretary Datuk Amar Jaul Samion.
Also in attendance were Cabinet ministers, assistant ministers, MPs, state assemblymen and community leaders.
The chief minister later toured an exhibition hall displaying the state’s achievements and developments.
Photos: Ramidi Subari
Dancers dressed in traditional costume pose for a photograph with Sarawakku Sayang banners in the background. 
(From left) State Assemblyman for Sadong Jaya Aidel Lariwoo, Assistant Minister in Chief Minister’s Department Abdullah Saidol, Datuk Mohd Naroden Majais and Datuk Sebastian Ting reading the New Sarawak Tribune and Suara Sarawak newspapers and its supplement write ups on the third anniversary of the Chief Minister. 
Excellent reception from the crowd to the Suara Sarawak and New Sarawak Tribune supplements on the Chief Minister’s 3rd anniversary. 
Excellent reception from the crowd to the Suara Sarawak and New Sarawak Tribune supplements on the Chief Minister’s 3rd anniversary. 
Excellent reception from the crowd to the Suara Sarawak and New Sarawak Tribune supplements on the Chief Minister’s 3rd anniversary. 
Excellent reception from the crowd to the Suara Sarawak and New Sarawak Tribune supplements on the Chief Minister’s 3rd anniversary. 
Excellent reception from the crowd to the Suara Sarawak and New Sarawak Tribune supplements on the Chief Minister’s 3rd anniversary. 
Excellent reception from the crowd to the Suara Sarawak and New Sarawak Tribune supplements on the Chief Minister’s 3rd anniversary. 
Abang Johari, Juma’ani (centre) and others singing the newly introduced song ‘Sarawakku Sayang’.
