Advancing Sarawak’s growth, stability

By Alexandra Lorna & Natasha Jee

Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar is a key figure in safeguarding Malaysia’s sovereignty, particularly against the communist threat. With extensive experience in national governance, he demonstrated loyalty by risking his life during operations against the North Kalimantan Communist Party in Miri, Sibu, and Kapit while serving with the Police Field Force.

Originally a hero during the “Sang Saka Biru” era, he advanced in politics and administration, becoming the eighth Governor of Sarawak. He received his appointment letter from the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, during the Appointment Ceremony at Istana Negara on January 26, 2024, serving a four-year term until January 26, 2028.

For insights into his career journey, read Sarawak Tribune’s interview in celebration of the Governor’s 78th official birthday.

Sarawak Tribune: When Tun first found out about your appointment as the eighth Governor, how did you feel at that time?

Tun: Throughout my life, I have never been someone who gets overly excited. Whatever comes my way, I accept it. My appointment as Governor did not evoke feelings of excitement, especially since there were many rumours about it.

I had been informed earlier through consultations, so I knew about the appointment before January 26; it wasn’t a surprise for me. I was also aware of the challenges, obstacles, and related processes. Therefore, if I said that the news was shocking, it would have been a spontaneous reaction.

When informed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, I said that if it was the decision of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and the Sarawak government, I must comply. The appointment is clearly under legal authority, granted with the consent of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

At the same time, people were curious about my views regarding the appointment. I expressed that I wanted it to be carried out through the correct processes and procedures. I didn’t want anything less than what was expected.

At any point, did Tun ever feel like declining the appointment?

Actually, when my appointment became a reality, I felt conflicted, especially in the week leading up to receiving the letter after being summoned by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong at Istana Negara. Having experienced life as an ordinary person, a Member of Parliament, and a minister, I handled challenges in various roles, including as President of the Senate.

Carrying out the entrusted duties was not an issue for me. As a legal scholar knowledgeable in law, particularly the Constitution and governance, I understood what needed to be done.

However, I struggled with adapting to a life filled with protocol. Accustomed to an ordinary lifestyle, I had enjoyed a relatively unstructured life as a minister, driving myself and visiting my favourite shops without worry.

I wondered how I would adjust to being the Governor, which caused me anxiety about following strict protocols and being accompanied by guards and entourages. This new lifestyle was a concern for me.

On the day I received the appointment letter, I felt awkward and out of place, seated separately from other ministers. It felt odd to be apart, and I was nervous, knowing this occasion marked the beginning of a new journey.

After nearly nine months of serving as the Governor, has Tun managed to adapt and adjust to the protocol-driven lifestyle?

Out of everything I’ve faced, adjusting to a protocol-driven lifestyle remains a challenge. One Sunday, my wife and I dressed casually in sports pants and shirts, grabbed the car keys, and drove ourselves to Ah Lai’s shop in Satok for breakfast. As we passed through the gate, the police and guards were shocked and scrambled to react as we sped off.

After being informed, they quickly discussed and acted to track our whereabouts, dividing into groups to search for us since we had left without their knowledge or permission.

Within 10 minutes, we arrived at the shop and ordered mi jawa and mi kolok for breakfast, only to see our entire escort team already there. Once our food was served, we were surprised to find the escorts surrounding us, some even standing outside. On our way home, they followed us as usual, despite my request for them not to drive in front or obstruct other vehicles.

I learned that what we did is called “pecah pagar”, or “Tun pecah pagar”, a term used in police training for trainees who leave without permission. I’ve done it once or twice.

For Tun, what are the significant differences you’ve experienced while carrying out your duties as Governor?

When I was a minister, I often prioritised my essential duties over attending events, even those hosted by the Prime Minister. However, my role as Governor has changed that dynamic; my presence is now crucial for the success of events, and my absence can significantly impact outcomes. Unlike before, where my absence had little effect unless I was a guest of honour, I must now attend all events I’ve agreed to.

My busy schedule often leads to insufficient rest. For instance, from July 5 to 7, I had events in Kuala Lumpur, followed by trips to Miri and Limbang. After returning to Miri, I attended the Sultan of Brunei’s 78th birthday celebration, which required an extended stay due to scheduling changes. I arrived back in Kuala Lumpur around 4am after the event, and just hours later, I had to attend the 266th Conference of Rulers Meeting.

With such a tight schedule, my wife and I pack various outfits for different events, often avoiding repeating attire, especially batik shirts. Unlike previous Governors, we manage our own clothing logistics without special assistants. I’m not complaining, but I just want to highlight why it’s important for me to attend all the events I’ve been invited to, even with such a busy schedule.

Additionally, I’ve been adapting to a high volume of courtesy visits, receiving at least two to three daily, sometimes up to five. Unlike the late Tun Taib, who knew everyone due to his long tenure, I returned to Sarawak as a relative stranger, prompting many department heads to seek meetings with me. To manage this, I suggested group visits, where up to 26 heads of departments and their entourages have come to meet me. I expect this trend to continue for at least another year as I engage with various agencies.

What are the biggest challenges Tun faces in carrying out this great responsibility?

I view what I go through not as challenges but as duties and responsibilities entrusted to me. During my time as Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Parliament and Law), I worked around 10 to 15 hours a day, which allowed me to carry out three constitutional amendments and introduce many new policies in just 13 months. It wasn’t easy; some ministers, even after 10 years, may not have managed to execute even one amendment. Many said achieving all that was impossible, prompting Universiti Malaya and the National University of Singapore to hold a colloquium to debate the constitutional amendments we made under the basic structure doctrine. This concept questions whether the government can amend the Constitution as they wish.

Within this doctrine, there are two schools of thought. The first states that it cannot be done, while the second allows it because Members of Parliament represent the people, and therefore, their power is sovereign. If that power is sovereign, they can change anything in the country, but it must follow the procedures set by the Constitution. As a minister, I found myself in the middle of this debate. My officers and I spent two weeks preparing my keynote speech, allowing me to speak for over an hour despite being allocated only 45 minutes. I requested the organisers, professors, and judges from various countries not to limit my time, as I wanted to convey everything I had to say. One judge from India later remarked, “This is the first time I’ve heard a speech from a minister that sounds like a judgment delivered by a High Court, because the arguments were so strong and legalistic regarding the government’s right to amend the Constitution when appropriate, subject to constitutional conditions.”

The responsibilities I carry as Governor are manageable for me, as I’m accustomed to working extra hours, despite being older than some ministers. However, age is not the only factor; our minds can mature as we age through continued development and engagement.

For example, former Prime Minister Tun Mahathir remains active by constantly engaging in debates. He doesn’t limit discussions to himself or his wife but interacts with others to keep his mind sharp. Some individuals over 80 can still run like 30-year-olds because they consistently train their bodies, just as we should exercise our brains. By frequently discussing ideas, thinking critically, and reading, we can continue to grow and improve intellectually.

How do you see your role as the Governor in fostering unity and harmony in Sarawak?

Sarawak is a pluralistic state with diverse religions, ethnicities, cultures, and languages. While amending the Constitution regarding Sarawak’s ethnicities under Article 161, I learned that the state comprises 23 recognised ethnic groups, based on Tom Harrison’s 1960s research. However, many groups, such as the Salako, represented by the former Opar assemblyman, Datuk Ranum Mina, were not included.

Then, out of curiosity, I had a lengthy discussion with the former director of the Sarawak Museum, Ipoi Datan, in 2014. He revealed that Sarawak has 43 ethnic groups. From 1960 to 2014, the number of identified ethnic groups has increased. In fact, he also mentioned that research is ongoing, and many more ethnic groups will likely be identified and listed, as people want to be classified according to their distinct ethnicities. Therefore, the list remains progressively incomplete.

Then, in 2021, I decided to amend the Constitution and held discussions with several experts, including the State Attorney General, Datuk Seri Talat Mahmood. We discovered that Sarawak has more than 70 ethnic groups. From 1960 to 2014, and up to 2021, the number of classified ethnic groups in Sarawak has significantly increased. Therefore, the Federal Constitution was no longer suitable for such laws, which is why I implemented the Constitutional Amendment of Article 161A of the Federal Constitution, replacing paragraph (a) of Clause 6 with “in relation to Sarawak, a citizen who belongs to any race specified by State law as an indigenous race of the State” and abolishing Clause 7.

The amendment to Clauses (6) and (7) of Article 161A of the Federal Constitution establishes the races considered indigenous to Sarawak, as provided for by state law. With this amendment, the definition of Sarawak’s indigenous races is no longer subject to the provisions of the Federal Constitution. Previously, only children of indigenous Sarawakian couples, such as Iban or Malay spouses, or mixed marriages between indigenous groups, like an Iban marrying a Malay, were recognised as Bumiputera. However, children from indigenous marriages with other races, such as Chinese or foreign nationals, were not considered Bumiputera.

Therefore, I am grateful that the Premier agreed when I proposed removing and abolishing this matter from the Federal Constitution and transferring it to Sarawak. Based on unrecognised studies, records show that up to 30 per cent of the local population are in mixed marriages, with their children not previously recognised as Bumiputera under the previous Constitution. So, this amendment is the best way to neutralise that.

To thrive in our multi-ethnic environment, we must embrace diversity and accept each other. Even in the Quran, as Muslims, it says, “Your God is your God, my God is my God.” That’s why I can go to Ah Lai’s shop, Tuk Janggut’s shop, Red Corner shop, and other shops owned by different ethnicities. Sarawak will never change and will continue to consist of more than 70 ethnic groups practicing Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, and so on.

I was the first Member of Parliament to support the building of churches in the past when it was difficult to do so. I facilitated the construction of three churches in Kampung Kesindu and secured funding for a Hindu temple in Kuching. This reflects our readiness to assist all communities, not just one race or religion. I am committed to serving every individual in Sarawak, regardless of background.

What is Tun’s long-term vision for Sarawak’s development in terms of education, economy, and social aspects?

Political stability, social stability, and racial unity are crucial for success. Malaysia has thrived for over 20 years due to a stable government, unlike most neighbouring countries, except Singapore. However, since the political turmoil began in 2008, we have faced disorder while others have achieved greater stability. Leaders must represent all races and groups to foster a caring environment for everyone.

Education is vital for Sarawak’s goal of becoming a developed region by 2030. We must equip local children with technological skills, as education is the foundation of progress; without it, I would have remained a village boy. Everyone should have the opportunity to pursue education, regardless of their background. Sarawak’s initiative to provide free education up to tertiary level starting in 2026 presents a significant opportunity for local children.

Under Abang Johari’s leadership, Sarawak is emerging as a green energy hub, emphasising renewable industries such as hydrogen, hydro, and solar. His progressive vision is attracting foreign collaboration, leveraging our expertise in renewable resources and enhancing Sarawak’s global recognition in climate change initiatives.

These efforts will spur economic growth by attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) and creating jobs and wealth for our people. Universities must prepare skilled labour to meet industry demands, and all elected representatives and department heads should support and expand Abang Johari’s initiatives.

What are your hopes and aspirations for Sarawak’s future?

Abang Johari has laid the foundation for Sarawak’s progress, but education is crucial for producing skilled labour that meets industry needs. Relying solely on foreign scientists could lead to losing valuable local expertise. For instance, we have local scientists who developed a formula to reduce energy usage in hydrogen production — if they worked abroad, we would lose a significant asset.

To support the state’s development, we need educated citizens who can become skilled experts and scientists. As long as we maintain strong integration and unity, we can live harmoniously, regardless of religion, race, language, or culture. Our goal is to achieve progress through education, ensuring that both urban and rural communities benefit equally, closing the gap between the rich and the poor. God willing, unity will remain the foundation of Sarawak’s growth as we aspire to become a high-income industrialised region.