KUCHING: Researchers from Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) have identified 11 graves of high-ranking individuals at an old cemetery within the Astana Negeri, offering new insights into Sarawak’s Malay heritage.
The findings were presented by the UNIMAS delegation during a courtesy call to the Head Of State Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, who was accompanied by his wife Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi, at his official residence in Petra Jaya yesterday.
The delegation was led by vice-chancellor Prof Dr Ahmad Hata Rasit and included deputy vice-chancellor (Research and Innovation) Prof Dr Siti Noor Linda Taib, project leader Dr Adibah Yusuf, and several other academics.
The study, still ongoing, also aims to trace the historical location of Sultan Tengah’s administrative centre prior to Raja James Brooke’s rule, including the exact site of his palace in either Santubong or Lidah Tanah.
During the visit, Wan Junaidi urged the researchers to continue their work, expressing hope that the study will resolve historical questions and preserve Sarawak’s rich heritage for future generations.
