Once a scout, always a scout, says association on new TYT

Newly-appointed Sarawak Governor Tun Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar has now become the highest scout figure in the lineup of the Sarawak Scout Movement leadership.

Scouts Association of Malaysia Sarawak Branch executive secretary Zasran Abdullah said Wan Junaidi’s exemplary character and leadership will leave a lasting impression on anyone who joins the movement.

In recollecting Wan Junaidi’s achievements in the scout movement, Zasran said the governor was the state’s first Wood Badge holder – a recognition given by the Malaysian Scouts Association for having completed the Scoutmaster training programme.

“‘Once a scout, always a scout’ perfectly embodies Wan Junaidi’s exemplary character and leadership, gained from the scouting’s philosophy in helping individuals achieve their full potentials as responsible citizens, and as members of their local, national and international communities.

“It is befitting to say that he is also the first Chief Commissioner to have successfully put Sarawak scouting on the scout world map for the hosting of the first BIMPEAGA Jamboree in Sarawak in 2000,” said Zasran, adding that the international event had drawn the attendance of 6000 people worldwide.

Having been bestowed with the Wood Badge, he said Wan Junaidi was chosen as the 7th Chief Scout Commissioner of Sarawak effective Jan 1, 1993 – succeeding Tan Sri Safri Awang Zaidell who retired after his 10-year service in the scout movement.

“Wan Junaidi stepped down as the Chief Scout Commissioner of Sarawak in 2009 due to his workload as a member of parliament for Batang Lupar.

“Despite this, Wan Junaidi initiated a Parliamentarian Scout Unit and was involved actively in scout activities abroad. With his vast experience, Wan Junaidi’s appointment as Governor is a welldeserved accolade for a man with such high esteem,” he said.