SIBU: Even the Chief Minister has to literally sing for his supper.
The crowd at a Chinese New Year gathering here were entertained with renditions of songs by Elvis Presley, Cliff Richard and even P. Ramlee by Tan Sri Adenan Satem.
He wowed the 1,000 guests with songs like Can’t Help Falling in Love, The Young Ones and Travellin’ Light.
By the end of the night, Adenan’s effort led to 19 corporate figures donating RM1.39mil for charitable organisations in the state. The gathering was organised by the United Chinese Association (UCA) on Thursday night.
With music provided by the Combo D’ Cipta band from the Social Development Ministry in Kuching, Adenan sang effortlessly.
By the time he completed P. Ramlee’s Putus Sudah Kasih Sayang, the crowd gave him a roaring applause.
Second Finance Minister Datuk Seri Wong Soon Koh then announced that a total of RM1.39mil had been raised from Adenan’s performance.
Among the donors were Tan Sri Tiong Hiew King, the founder and chairman of the Rimbunan Hijau Group who donated RM100,000.
Others included the WTK Organisation, KTS Group of Companies, Shin Yang Group of Companies, Pan Sarawak, Hock Peng Organisation and Mafrica.
In his speech, Adenan called on the people of all races in the state to continue living in peace and harmony.
“We know how to live in unity even though we are diverse. We have different cultures which include the Malay, Bidayuh, Chinese and Iban people. That is our wealth. Don’t let us be divided,” he said.
Adenan also called on the people to give him another five years to serve the state.
“Five years is enough for me as I’m already 72 this year,” he said.-thestar
