Thursday, 10 July 2025

Mok Ani: A lifetime of resolute selfless compassion

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REMEMBERED as warm, humble and compassionate, she never let a guest leave her home without a meal. Her gentle smile greeted everyone – from close family members to complete strangers.

That was the essence of Puan Sri Datuk Amar Juma’ani Tun Tuanku Bujang, fondly known as “Mok Ani” by her family, who passed away peacefully at 3:34 am on Monday (June 23), at Normah Medical Centre in Kuching.

Even at the market, few would guess she was the wife of Sarawak’s Premier, a position she held since January 13, 2017. She blended in seamlessly, clad in simple baju kurung, never seeking attention or making fashion statements.

Her humility, warmth, and down-to-earth demeanour won her much admiration. She dressed modestly, reserving traditional finery like songket, kain selayah, or keringkam for official cultural events. The rest of the time, she preferred being a devoted homemaker.

Born on December 26, 1948, three years after Sarawak was freed from Japanese occupation, Juma’ani was the cherished daughter of Tun Tuanku Bujang Tuanku Othman, a former police officer who later became a senior civil servant and eventually Sarawak’s second Yang di-Pertua Negeri.

After the passing of Tun Abang Openg in 1969, her father was appointed as Head of State. Tun Tuanku Bujang’s maternal lineage connected him to Tun Openg, and it was through this familial bond that a marriage was arranged between Juma’ani and Abang Johari, both in their late twenties at the time.

She first laid eyes on her future husband during a family gathering in Kuching. They were married on February 26, 1977, and received a house next to her father’s residence as a wedding gift.

That same year, Abang Johari began his foray into politics while working with Malaysia Airlines (MAS). The couple was blessed with two children: Abang Abdillah Izzarim and Dayang Norjihan, both of whom have built successful careers and families of their own.

As Abang Johari’s political career advanced, especially after becoming a state assemblyman in 1981, Juma’ani chose to step away from public life to manage the household.

She led their home with full dedication, knowing her husband’s priorities lay with the people and state and never complained about his long hours or absence during midday meals, nor about the many events he had to attend.

Even as he rose to become Chief Minister and later Premier, and their quality time became increasingly scarce, she remained supportive, accompanying him to events despite her own declining health.

Cooking was one of her joys, but as her strength waned, she shifted focus to her grandchildren and caring for her beloved cats.

In their free time, she and her husband would often drive around Kuching, stopping for meals at local favourites like the James Brooke Bistro along the Kuching Waterfront.

She preferred not to interfere with her husband’s work or politics, a value instilled since childhood. Though she sometimes felt compelled to share her views, she held back, choosing instead to quietly support her husband through the pressures of public life.

Juma’ani faced personal challenges too, from being scrutinised over differing political affiliations within her family to supporting her husband through periods of political sidelining, such as when he won the Deputy President post in PBB but was left on the sidelines. She never let bitterness take root, especially after Abang Johari was eventually appointed Chief Minister.

She took great care in understanding his preferences such as mee goreng, nasi lemak, and nasi beriani every Friday, with eggs and papaya for breakfast. She always ensured he stayed healthy, encouraging him to cycle, swim, and take vitamins, even as he slept just three to four hours a night.

Juma’ani also made significant contributions to society. As president of the Petra Jaya Welfare Association (PKPJ), she spearheaded aid for victims of natural disasters, single mothers, the disabled, orphans, and patients with chronic illnesses. Her focus extended to the state constituencies of Pantai Damai, Demak Laut, Tupong, Samariang and Satok.

Her most notable initiative was establishing the Pemulihan Dalam Komuniti (PDK) Sri Satok, a centre dedicated to children with special needs and their families. The facility later moved into its own building, aptly named the Datuk Amar Hajah Juma’ani Welfare Centre.

As Chairperson of the Sarawak Ministers’ and Deputy Ministers’ Wives Charity Association (SABATI), she led the development of Wisma SABATI, inaugurated in November 2022. Under her stewardship, the organisation provided support across Sarawak, including special chairs for cancer patients and Braille typewriters for the visually impaired.

Her passing is deeply felt not only by her family but by the broader Sarawak community. She was a steadfast woman who, even through years of declining health, remained dignified, loving and kind in spirit.

She was laid to rest at the Samariang Muslim Cemetery in Petra Jaya at 1:52 pm, witnessed by her husband, children, grandchildren, and thousands of mourners, both in person and via live broadcasts.

Though she is no longer with us, the compassion and love she shared will live on for generations. Al-Fatihah.

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