Wan Junaidi proclaimed Unimas Chancellor

KUCHING: Head of State Tun Pehin Seri Dr. Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar has been proclaimed as the fourth Chancellor of Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas).

He replaces the late Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud.

As a distinguished figure, visionary, and experienced in management and governance, Wan Junaidi is expected to further strengthen Unimas’ vision and mission as a community-oriented and sustainable university, in line with its motto, ‘Sustainable Community University.’

“With humility, I accept this great responsibility. I realise that taking on the role of Chancellor of a university is not only an honour but also carries significant responsibility.

“It is not merely a symbol for the university but also plays a crucial role in driving Unimas’ aspirations to continue achieving excellence in academics and research, both nationally and internationally.

“I would also like to extend my appreciation to the Ministry of Higher Education for this appointment. InshaAllah, I will seize this opportunity to contribute my service for the progress of Sarawak and our beloved country, Malaysia,” he said.

Wan Junaidi, delivers his address upon receiving the proclamation as the fourth chancellor of UNIMAS. Photo by UKAS

He said this after receiving his appointment letter, which was presented by the Minister of Higher Education, Datuk Seri Dr. Zambri Abdul Kadir, during the Chancellor Proclamation Ceremony of Unimas at the Main Audience Room, Astana Negeri here today (Oct 16).

Dr Zambri stated that Wan Junaidi is an exceptional figure who has consistently sought knowledge and experience and possesses an extraordinary global perspective.

He said Wan Junaidi not only has experience in politics, policing, and legal fields but has also been a prolific writer.

“The tree stands strong because of its roots, and the roots are strong because of the soil’; this is my hope with the appointment of Wan Junaidi as the new Chancellor of Unimas.

“The strength of the university will be further solidified with his role, and the collaboration between Unimas, the Sarawak government, and the federal government will be further strengthened.

“Wan Junaidi is seen as a leader who will join Unimas, helping and guiding in all the university’s future plans,” he said.

Additionally, Unimas Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Ahmad Hata Rasit also acknowledged the greatness of Wan Junaidi whose excellence is reflected by his high commitment while serving as a police officer, lawyer, parliamentarian, politician, and Speaker of the Senate.

“Wan Junaidi’s leadership is also recognised internationally, among which he contributed to the formation of the Asean Inter-Parliamentary Caucus and was appointed its first Chairman and he is the only parliamentarian in Asean who has been appointed Chairman of the Asean Aipa Caucus twice, in 2007 and again in 2018.

“His involvement in the Scout movement also contributed to his leadership, reflecting Tun Pehin Sri’s competence, authority, charisma, and vision in governance and planning to strengthen the organisations he leads,” he said.

Also present were Wan Junaidi’s wife Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi, Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, Minister of Education, Innovation, and Talent Development Datuk Seri Roland Sagah, and his Deputy Datuk Dr. Annuar Rapa’ee, Federal Secretary of Sarawak Datuk Ahmad Nadzri Mohd Hassan, and Chairman of the Unimas Board of Directors Tan Sri Datuk Seri Panglima Sulong Matjeraie.