KUCHING: The 40-year friendship between Sarawak Lawn Tennis Association (SLTA) president Datuk Patrick Liew and Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar is a true testament to lasting camaraderie.
Liew recalled the early days when Wan Junaidi was still serving in the police force.
“We’ve been old friends for a long time. He is very approachable, very humble,” said Liew.
Despite Wan Junaidi’s rise through the ranks — from lawyer to politician, and now the Yang di-Pertua Negeri — his personality has remained unchanged.
Their enduring friendship is built on more than just professional ties, as Liew fondly shared how Wan Junaidi still visits him, even as a public figure.
“He still comes here, visit and I think that is something that touches your heart and you feel acknowledged and also feel the relationship is more valuable than position or status,” he told reporters at his Chinese New Year Open House at his residence on Friday (Jan 31).
The deep respect and affection between the two was evident between the two old friends.
“It was a long chit-chat, our old stories. So I said thank you. He was very happy,” Liew said, adding, “we feel very honoured, for him to come here, despite the heavy rain.”
“I’ve known him for over 40 years…it’s been an incredible friendship,” he said.
