KUCHING: The unity and harmony displayed among Sarawak’s diverse communities should serve as an example for all other states in Malaysia.
In a post shared on the Kesultanan Pahang official Facebook page, the Sultan of Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah said the Land of the Hornbill encompasses 27 major ethnic groups such as the Iban, Chinese, Malay, Bidayuh, Orang Ulu and Melanau, along with 74 minor ethnicities including the Kelabit, Kenyah, Kayan, Penan, Lun Bawang, Bisaya and Bruneian.
“The spirit of mutual respect, tolerance and cooperation practised by the people of Sarawak forms the foundation of the peace and harmony enjoyed today,” he said.
The Sultan and his consort, Tengku Ampuan of Pahang Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah, also offered prayers Sarawak’s continued progress, peace and prosperity under the leadership of Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
In the same post, the royal couple also expressed their appreciation to the Sarawak government and its people for the warm hospitality extended throughout their four-day visit to the state, which ended yesterday (Nov 3).
They congratulated the state government on the successful organisation of the Sarawak Regatta 2025 and Sarawak Drum Festival 2025, which they said not only strengthened the spirit of unity among the people but also showcased the state’s rich cultural heritage with pride.
Meanwhile, a separate online post reported that as the royal couple left for Kuantan, Pahang, from Kuching International Airport yesterday morning, the rain that fell seemed to mirror the mood of farewell felt by many Sarawakians.
They were seen off by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and his daughter Dayang Norjihan, along with other dignitaries.
“Though the visit has come to an end, the memories and goodwill left behind by Their Royal Highnesses and the royal family will continue to bloom in the hearts of Sarawakians — much like the rainbow that appears after the rain, a beautiful reminder of an encounter that will long be remembered,” the post read.
Their Royal Highnesses began their visit on Oct 31 by attending the ‘Malam Mesra Sarawak-Pahang’ at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) Complex.
On Nov 1, the royal couple visited Seri Gedong Songket in Kampung Kanchong Baru, Gedong, before heading separately to the Semenggoh Wildlife Centre and the Sri Kenyalang Songket Complex at Puncak Borneo Prison.
Later that evening, they attended the Sarawak Drum Festival at the Kuching Waterfront, joined by their son and daughter-in-law.
They also visited the Sarawak Cultural Village and graced the closing ceremony of the Sarawak Regatta–Kuching Waterfront Festival 2025 on Nov 2.
