Wan Junaidi sworn in as eighth Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak
Tun Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar was sworn in as Sarawak’s eighth Yang di-Pertua Negeri yesterday.
A ceremonial parade was held on the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Complex’s grounds at 3.08pm to welcome the new Head of State, who arrived with his wife Toh Puan Datin Seri Fauziah Mohd Sanusi.
On hand to welcome him were Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and State Secretary Dato Sri Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki.
Wan Junaidi was then brought to the stage to receive the ‘Royal
Salute’ as the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) brass band was playing the state anthem ‘Ibu Pertiwiku’ (My Motherland).
He then proceeded to inspect the guard-of-honour comprising 105 police personnel under the command of DSP Mohd Zaini Ismail, and was given the ‘Royal Salute’ again before the national and state anthems were played.
Sarawak Grand Imam Dato Mustapha Kamal Ahmad Fauzi recited the prayers.
A er that, Wan Junaidi and his wife proceeded to the Dewan Lapau of DUN Sarawak for the oath-taking ceremony, which commenced with Abang Johari reading out the instrument of appointment that Wan Junaidi received from Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah.
Then, Wan Junaidi took his oath and signed the proclamation document, witnessed by Abang Johari and the Chief Judge of Sabah and Sarawak Tan Sri Abdul Rahman Sebli.
Wan Junaidi’s appointment as Sarawak’s Head of State is for four terms, effective yesterday and would expire on Jan 26, 2028.
The 77-year-old takes over from Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Mahmud, aged 87.
Meanwhile Astana Sarawak, in a statement, said Taib had expressed his gratitude to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong for appointing him as Head of State back in 2014.
In sending his greetings, Taib also conveyed his appreciation and gratitude to Abang Johari and the Sarawak Cabinet for their cooperation throughout his 10-year tenure as the Yang diPertua Negeri, and at the same time, he also expressed his hope to see the people of Sarawak continue to remain united in peace and harmony.
“To all the people of Sarawak, I hope the people would continue to unite, maintain unity and tolerance and continue to support the aspirations of the state government in its efforts to make Sarawak a prosperous state by 2030,” said Taib.