No nerves for Johor eatery owner who served Malaysia’s King and PM Anwar
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(From left) Malaysian King, Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar, dining with the Regent of Johor, Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim at Mr Lee Wen Hao’s restaurant.
PHOTO: SULTAN IBRAHIM SULTAN ISKANDAR/FACEBOOK
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JOHOR BAHRU – It would be tough for anyone to top Mr Lee Wen Hao’s claim to fame.
From the time he was a young boy, he has had the privilege of having the current Malaysian King, Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar of Johor, dining at his family-owned restaurant.
Other members of the Johor royal family, especially the Regent of Johor, Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, have also turned up.
“They are our loyal customers who come here to eat once or twice a week,” said Mr Lee, 30.
On Dec 10, he got to serve the King, Tunku Ismail, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Johor Chief Minister Onn Hafiz Ghazi.
Mr Lee, who is the outlet’s third-generation owner, said it is the first time he and his family got to serve someone who has gone on to become king.
He has been “coming here since (he) was young”, especially during his “years as the Tunku Mahkota of Johor”, said Mr Lee.
“However, we have not received a visit... since (he) became the Johor Sultan”, as he became “busier and had more responsibilities to fulfil”.
Excitedly recounting the lunch on Dec 10, Mr Lee said: “We kept the restaurant open especially for them. They had their meal here from around 11am to 1pm.”
He added: “Among the food they ordered were asam pedas fish, which is what we are known for, fried fish, squid and bean sprouts.”
Mr Lee said that the King is down to earth and humble.
“This takes away the nervousness of serving such an important person,” he added.
“It was also the Prime Minister’s first visit to our restaurant.”
Other people have long been drawn to the eatery.
Sculptor Seo Ton Yong, 56, who has been a customer since the 1980s, said: “I have been coming here about once a month since I was young. I really enjoy their asam pedas fish.”
Mr Seo, who drops by in the morning to avoid, the crowd, added: “The taste is different.”
Another regular is businesswoman Farhana Ahmad, 38, who has been eating there for over a decade.
She said: “My favourite is their fried fish. I don’t know how they do it but it is definitely better than the ones I have had anywhere else.
“I would come here once or twice a month.” THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
