KUCHING: The book ‘Mawar Astana Mekar di Jiwa’ (The Rose of Astana, Blooming in the Heart) offers readers more than a portrait of a prominent woman; it presents a life journey shaped by values, resilience and meaningful experiences.
Its publication coordinator, Datuk Dr Jeniri Amir, said the book chronicles the life of Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi not merely through a series of events but through the values that emerged from her experiences.
“Just as a rose does not merely symbolise beauty, it also has thorns that teach us that beauty does not necessarily come from an easy journey.
“This is therefore not merely the story of an individual, but the story of how a woman built meaning in her life through knowledge, career, resilience, family, friendship and service to society,” he said during the book’s launch at Dewan Santapan, Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) Complex here today.
Jeniri said that as readers turn the pages, they will discover a life journey rich in experiences, lessons and different chapters, from Fauziah’s career as a cabin crew member to her present role at the Astana and her engagement with the community.
“From Toh Puan’s experiences in the skies as a cabin crew member to life on the ground, from the Astana to the community, and from personal experiences to the wider and more meaningful voice of the people.
“This is what makes a biography more than simply the story of one person, because an individual never lives in isolation from their time, but lives alongside society, listening, seeing their happiness and witnessing their struggles,” he said.
Jeniri said the publication should not be regarded as the conclusion of Fauziah’s journey, but as an opportunity to pause, reflect on it and draw lessons from her experiences.
“If Toh Puan’s life is a journey, then her 22 years in the blue skies were its horizon. The Astana is one of its stops, volunteerism its light, love its roots, and the people, the voice that continues to call upon her soul to serve,” he said.
He added that the book also highlighted how a woman’s strength did not necessarily have to be expressed through a loud voice.
“There is strength born from patience, leadership through example and sacrifice that never asks for recognition,” he said.
Jeniri said Fauziah had demonstrated these qualities in her various roles, including as the wife of Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, a mother, and a member of society with social responsibilities.
He expressed hope that younger generations would learn the importance of discipline, women would find the courage to forge their own paths, and society would recognise that a person’s worth is measured not merely by position but by contribution.
“If this book succeeds in instilling the belief that success requires perseverance, that gentleness is not weakness, that leadership is a responsibility, and that life should be filled with helping others, then I believe this rose has truly blossomed in all our hearts,” he said.
Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Minister, Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah, launched the book before presenting copies to Wan Junaidi and Fauziah.
