Name: Tan Sri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar
Age: 77
Date of birth: 1 February 1946
Hobbies: Reading and writing
Favorite colour: Blue
Favorite book: Constitutional and factual books
NOT many people are unaware of the story behind the great figure who is currently the Senate president Tan Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, especially in the political field as he has been featured widely.
Interviewed by New Sarawak Tribune recently, the figure told how his life was when he was in the world of politics, retired and now returning to politics again.
In 2022 he lost his beloved wife, Datin Sri Fiona Norjanah Sim Abdullah and at the same time he dropped himself out from the list of Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) candidates in the 2022 General Election (GE).
Starting to enjoy his retirement life, he often had breakfast, sitting on the sidewalk of Yong Hua Cafe, his favorite shop, chatting about various things with friends.
He also often spends his Sundays shopping at the Satok market, he is no stranger shopping for groceries as he knows what kind of fish and vegetables needed to make dishes that day.
However, at the beginning of his retirement, he did not completely vanish in the world of politics as in GE-15, Wan Junaidi was seen giving his all to help his successor, Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri in her campaigns.
At that time he explained that as a party member who is loyal to the party, he will continue to help GPS candidates to campaign while also ensuring the success of GPS in the general election.
Moreover, the veteran politician, former senior police officer and respected legal practitioner also continued to support other GPS members in the election.
But in the beginning of this year, it opened a new chapter for him when he ended his widowhood and married the new love in his life Datin Seri Fauziah Mohd Sanusi.
Not long after that, on June 5, Wan Junaidi was also conferred the title ‘Tan Sri’ in conjunction with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s official birthday.
On top of that, he was also elected as the Dewan Negara President replacing Tan Sri Rais Yatim.
He told New Sarawak Tribune, that a few weeks ago, he received three congratulatory messages on WhatsApp from His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah.
“I received three congratulations from YDPA, the first congratulations for getting married to Fauziah Mohd Sanusi; secondly, for receiving the honour of Panglima Setia Mahkota which carries the title of Tan Sri and thirdly on my appointment as the 19th president of the Dewan Negara.
“These last two blessings are a surprise for me, previously I was asked to meet with Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg on June 13. He (the Premier) informed me that he had been contacted by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim who wished to appoint me as the president of the Dewan Negara.
“This appointment is an honour, because it is based on my experience as a Member of Parliament, minister and deputy Speaker of the Dewan Rakyat,” he said.
With his vast experience, Wan Junaidi is also quite skilled in the ins and outs of parliament, and is even known as the encyclopedia of law and the Federal Constitution by his friends in Parliament.
Looking back during the 1990s, he said, former Dewan Rakyat Speaker, the late Tun Dr Mohamed Zahir Ismail had met and praised him for the content, suggestions and good arguments presented in the Dewan Rakyat.
“He told me that I should produce a book because what I presented in the Parliament was very good but I refused saying that producing a book is a long, expensive and unprofitable process.
“He also told me to continue my studies at the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) level, and I told him that I would think about it. I am deeply indebted to the late Tun Zahir, who instilled a lot of confidence in me to continue studying and learning,” he said.
As a result of the advice and support received, now, the Senate President has obtained a Doctorate in Business
Management (DBA) from the University of Southern California, United States and also produced various books on communication perspectives, natural resources, among others.
“I know a lot from various angles, such as communication, leadership and so on. If people ask me questions, I’m ready because of the basic knowledge I’ve learned.
“For example when I was in charge of the natural resources ministry, I could answer the questions asked because I wrote a book about it.
“If anyone asks about communication, I also produced a communication book, and have a practical theory book. Not only that, I also studied the laws of western countries,” he said.
He stated that he is able to learn all of these due to his interests and hobbies. He admits that he is not very interested in novels, but will not reject reading on law and history.
Moreover, this Cliff Richard fan often recites the Federal Constitution – and often takes it with him wherever he goes.
That is why his knowledge and interpretation of this law is highly respected. In fact, his last post before retirement was as the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department in charge of Parliament and Law.
With his appointment, it is undoubtedly that Wan Junaidi will not rest or retire from the political field any time soon. His busy everyday routine will definitely continue on.
