Abang Jo: Thanks for good wishes, but don’t splurge on birthday adverts

KUCHING: Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg (pic) has requested friends and well-wishers not to place advertisements to congratulate him on his 72nd birthday which falls on Thursday (Aug 4).

In a statement, the Premier’s Office said Abang Johari appreciated their intention but would not like them to spend on such advertisements in view of the current tough economic situation and the need to contain inflationary pressure.

“Nevertheless, he would like to thank all well-wishers for their kind thoughts of him on his birthday,” it said on Wednesday (Aug 3).

The Premier made a similar request last year, asking those who wished to place birthday advertisements to channel the funds to the State Covid-19 Disaster Trust Fund instead.

Abang Johari was born on Aug 4, 1950 in Limbang, Sarawak. He is the youngest son of the state’s first Governor, the late Tun Abang Openg Abang Sapiee.

He was sworn in as Sarawak’s sixth Chief Minister (now Premier) on Jan 13, 2017.