KUCHING: The newly launched “Mawar Astana Mekar di Jiwa” (The Rose of Astana, Blooming in the Heart) is more than a collection of memories, as it captures the values, experiences and contributions that have shaped Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi throughout different stages of her life.
According to the Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Minister, Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah, the book offered readers an opportunity to get to know the person behind the title through her roles as a daughter, mother, career woman, wife, and later, Toh Puan.
“Today, we are not merely celebrating the launch of a book. We are actually celebrating something greater than that.
“We are celebrating a life that has given meaning to so many people,” she said when launching the book at Dewan Santapan, Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) Complex here today (Aug 17).
The ceremony was graced by Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar.
Fatimah said the book’s title symbolised qualities such as resilience, gentleness, elegance and strength, which she described as being reflected in Fauziah’s personality and life journey.
She said one of the values that stood out throughout the book was sincerity, including in Fauziah’s relationship with Wan Junaidi before he became Head of State, as well as in building relationships with her stepchildren.
“She did not try to take anyone’s place or force herself to be accepted, but only wanted to be present with love, patience and sincerity,” she said.
Fatimah also highlighted Fauziah’s interest in early childhood education, including her concern for gifted children and children with special needs.
She said such concern reflected the belief that every child possessed individual potential and should be given opportunities to develop according to their talents, interests and abilities.
“When we talk about early childhood education, we are actually talking about the future because we are shaping human beings before they become adults,” she said.
The same spirit, Fatimah added, could be seen in Fauziah’s efforts to empower women and support the work of non-governmental organisations.
“Ultimately, welfare work is not about how many programmes we attend. It is about how many lives we are able to touch,” she said.
Fatimah said Fauziah continued to demonstrate simplicity, self-discipline, resilience, loyalty, sincerity and honesty despite the changes in her responsibilities after becoming the wife of the Head of State.
She added that genuine influence was not derived solely from one’s position or title, but also from personal character and the way one treated others.
“Position may give a person influence, but only sincerity can give someone a place in the heart,” she said.
Fatimah congratulated the publication team for producing the book, which she said preserved a legacy and offered values for future generations to emulate.
“We may be forgotten because of our titles. We may be forgotten because of our positions. But we will be remembered for the sincerity that made someone feel valued and recognised when they were with us,” she said.
