KUCHING: Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar was conferred the Pingat Jasa Pahlawan Sarawak (PJPS) in recognition of his past service and contribution to the security of Sarawak.
The award was presented by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg at a special ceremony held at the Astana Negeri Sarawak here this morning.
Wan Junaidi was accompanied by his wife, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Hajah Fauziah Mohd Sanusi.
The PJPS is awarded to retired Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) personnel who served in Sarawak for the specified period, particularly during the Emergency and other security operations.
The award recognises the contributions and sacrifices of security personnel who defended Sarawak’s peace, sovereignty and public safety during periods of armed conflict.
Wan Junaidi joined the Royal Malaysia Police in 1964 and later served with the Police Field Force from 1968 to 1973.
During his service, he was deployed to the Rajang Area Security Command (RASCOM), a key security zone established in 1972 during the Emergency in Sarawak to counter the communist insurgency in the Rajang River area.
The experience formed part of Wan Junaidi’s early years of public service before he later embarked on a career in law and politics.
Wan Junaidi expressed his appreciation to Abang Johari and the Sarawak government for the conferment.
He said the recognition reflected the state government’s commitment to acknowledging the service, loyalty and sacrifices of security personnel who had fought to safeguard the interests of the people and the country.
Also witnessing the ceremony were Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, who is also Second Minister for Finance and New Economy and Minister for Infrastructure and Port Development; and Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, who is also Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government.
State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki was also present.
