KUCHING: The appointment of Tun Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar as the eighth Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak is expected to propel the state to greater heights.
Expressing optimism, Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap highlighted Wan Junaidi’s extensive experience and knowledge, stating, “I would like to take this opportunity to extend my heartiest congratulations on his appointment.”
Yap said Wan Junaidi has consistently prioritised the rights and interests of Sarawak, citing his instrumental role in amending four articles of the Federal Constitution during his tenure as the federal Law Minister.
“The amendments, enshrined in the Federal Constitution (Amendment) Act 2022, are pivotal in allowing Sarawak to claim specific rights listed under the Inter-Governmental Committee (IGC) Report 1962.”
Reflecting on his personal and professional association with Wan Junaidi, Yap recalled joining Wan Junaidi’s law firm in 1993, noting Wan Junaidi’s straightforward and principled approach to legal work.
“Professionally, he does his work by the book whereby his law firm rejected a lot of legal work on the grounds of legal principles at his insistence.”
Yap said when he was a junior lawyer at the time, Wan Junaidi was always ever ready to give him sound and solid advice, and to think outside the box when looking at issues.
Wan Junaidi’s commitment to public service was evident, both as a lawyer and a MP, always prioritising the welfare of his clients and the rakyat (people), according to Yap.
Despite being a man of few words, Wan Junaidi’s effectiveness in getting things done left a lasting impression on Yap.
“During my time with him, he was still pursuing his doctorate in Business Administration from the University of Southern California even when he was practicing law and serving his constituency.”
For Yap personally, he said Wan Junaidi has been an inspiration for him to be who he is politically now.
“I learnt from his ways of doing things and put the needs and welfare of the people above personal interest.
“Before I was elected as the assemblyman, I used to come to him with difficult problems when I was serving as the Sarawak United People’s Party Public Complaints Bureau chief and during that time, Tun would extend his assistance, expertise and connections with the relevant authorities.”
Sharing an anecdote, Yap recounted Wan Junaidi’s assistance in resolving a complex case involving a Sarawakian woman arrested in West Kalimantan. Wan Junaidi’s connections and expertise played a crucial role in facilitating her deportation back to Kuching.
Meanwhile, Wan Junaidi officially assumed his role as the eighth Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak on Jan 26, receiving his appointment letter from Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah at Istana Negara in Kuala Lumpur. He succeeds Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud, whose term expired on Jan 25.
In recognition of his new role, Wan Junaidi was immediately honoured with the country’s highest award, the Darjah Kebesaran Seri Maharaja Mangku Negara (SSM), which carries the title ‘Tun’.
