Adenan explains meaning of his famous catchphrases 'oha' and 'you you'

"Oha" and "You You" has become synonymous with Sarawak Chief Minister Tan Sri Adenan Satem but nobody has tried to trace its origin until hearing from the horse's mouth.

For the first time ever, Adenan revealed that the inspiration behind his catchphrase was due to his upbringing among the various races in Sarawak.

For 'Oha' he explained that it loosely meant in Iban "Datai situk aku nak berjako" or in English "Please come here I want to talk to you."

But the Chief Minister came up with his own interpretation by stressing that for him 'Oha' meant "I love Sarawak".

Adenan, breaking away from protocol, prefers to be simply addressed as Chief Minister Adenan or Adenan during official functions, believes the uniqueness of the catchphrase has united Sarawakians, regardless of age, gender, race or religion.

Adenan made the revelation at the dinner with Chief Minister and Barisan Nasional Direct candidate for the Pujut seat, Datuk Hii King Chiong, last night.

As for "you you" slogan he said, it was inspired by young couples who intended to go out for a date in the good old days.

Without explaining in detail, he said when someone mentioned the word "you you" then automatically it meant a date.

Adenan, a big fan of English Premier League club Arsenal and the late Elvis Presley has given Hii a nickname, Datuk Elvis, as he has similarities to the late singer, especially Hii's thick sideburn.

The Chief Minister always begins his functions by singing "The Young Ones" originally sang by Cliff Richard and "Can't Help Falling In Love With You" a pop song by Elvis, but was not sure if Hii had a passion for singing such songs.