KOTA KINABALU, April 26 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim must have shaken hands with thousands of Sabahans here today when he turned up at the state Aidilfitri celebration organised by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor’s government.

Tens of thousands of people thronged the Sabah International Convention Centre for the state celebration that started at 8am to enjoy the buffet spread of local delicacies at some 50 food stalls set up in the open plaza while being entertained by performers on stage.

Their enthusiasm grew when Anwar turned up here shortly after landing at the Kota Kinabalu International Airport around 11am.

Despite the heat, many people crowded around for a chance to greet the PM and take pictures when Hajiji and other Sabah Cabinet members stepped up to welcome Anwar as the latter moved under the marquees to enter the main convention hall where other state dignitaries were seated.

Anwar had lunch there and later escorted Sabah Governor Tun Juhar Mahiruddin to the latter’s car.

He declined to take questions from the media, saying he was in a rush and left about 1pm.

Anwar has been crisscrossing the country these past few days after deciding to buck convention by holding Aidilfitri celebrations in six locations nationwide instead of just one.

He was in Alor Setar, Kedah just yesterday with other members of the federal Cabinet, which marked the start of his Malaysia Madani Raya tour that will also cover Penang, Kelantan, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang before ending in Selangor.

These six states will also be holding elections this year.

Earlier, Hajiji presented some gifts to residents from the old folks’ homes, Society for the Blind, Society for the Deaf, welfare homes and orphanages.

Speculations about the chief minister’s health has been rife in the past few days and Hajiji thanked those concerned for their prayers.

The chief minister who has been experiencing pain, but is otherwise in good health and is scheduled to check into the hospital for a minor procedure to remove gallstones next week.