KUCHING: The serene atmosphere of Masjid Jamek Negeri Sarawak in Petra Jaya was illuminated with unity and gratitude as nearly 1,000 congregants gathered for the Thanksgiving Ceremony in conjunction with the 79th Official Birthday Celebration of Head of State (TYT), Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar.
Wan Junaidi, accompanied by his wife, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi, arrived at 6:25 pm at Masjid Jamek on Thursday.
They were warmly received by Datuk Misnu Taha, President of the Sarawak Islamic Council; Datuk Kipli Yassin, State Mufti; and Datuk Abang Abdul Wahap Abang Julai, Chief Executive Officer of Masjid Welfare Trust Board Sarawak (LAKMNS), alongside distinguished guests from various government departments and agencies.
Among the dignitaries present were Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg; Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah; State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki; Deputy Minister for Utilities (Energy and PETROS), Datuk Ibrahim Baki; and foreign diplomats.
The ceremony, organised by the Sarawak Islamic Religious Department (JAIS), commenced with congregational Maghrib prayers followed by the recitation of Surah Yasin led by State Grand Imam, Datuk Mustapha Kamal Ahmad Fauzi.
The night continued with a melodious Zikir Marhaban performance by the Kuching Division Zikir Association before concluding with a heartfelt Doa Kesyukuran (Prayer of Gratitude), also led by Mustapha Kamal, seeking blessings and divine protection for Wan Junaidi, Fauziah, and the people of Sarawak.
Later, Wan Junaidi joined the congregation in performing Isyak prayers before visiting a special exhibition commemorating the 35th anniversary of Masjid Jamek, which was held in conjunction with the celebration.
The exhibition showcased the mosque’s historical milestones, community outreach programmes, and its evolution as one of Sarawak’s most prominent Islamic landmarks.
The evening proceeded with a dinner reception attended by both Muslim and non-Muslim leaders, reflecting Sarawak’s unique spirit of religious harmony and inclusivity.
The Thanksgiving ceremony marked one of the main highlights in the week-long series of events commemorating Wan Junaidi’s 79th birthday.
The celebration, held from October 8 to 12, carries the spirit of gratitude, service and unity that characterise the leadership of the TYT.
