SIBU: Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar’s lifelong service to Sarawak reflects the state’s own journey of development, from safeguarding its security to championing its constitutional rights and now serving as a symbol of unity for all Sarawakians.
Transport Minister Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin said Wan Junaidi’s journey from a young police officer who risked his life defending Sarawak to holding various key positions at the federal level mirrored the state’s own transformation over the decades.
Speaking during the Sarawak Day 2026 celebration on Wednesday (July 22), he said it was especially meaningful that this year’s celebration was held in Sibu, a town closely linked to Wan Junaidi’s service with the Rajang Area Security Command (RASCOM), where he played an important role in maintaining peace and security in Central Sarawak.
“After completing his service in the security forces, Wan Junaidi continued his struggle through politics, public administration and the legal profession to champion the rights and interests of Sarawak.”
Lee said among Wan Junaidi’s greatest contributions was his role in efforts to amend the Federal Constitution to restore Sarawak’s position as one of the founding territories of Malaysia in accordance with the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), further strengthening the state’s status and dignity within the federation.
“Today, Wan Junaidi continues to serve as a symbol of unity and an inspiration for the younger generation to serve Sarawak with integrity, courage and patriotism.”
On this year’s Sarawak Day celebration, Lee said Sibu was chosen as the host city because of its historical significance and important place in Sarawak’s development.
The Sarawak Day celebration, which began on July 20, had featured a series of programmes including the Sarawak Day Sales Carnival, Sarawak Kitchen, TVS stage performances, Zumba sessions, the Unity Walk, the Sarawak History Exhibition, the Sarawak Day Town Hall, a thanksgiving ceremony and various community programmes.
