KUCHING – The cultural ties between Sarawak and Pahang received a significant boost with the presence of Her Royal Highness Tengku Ampuan of Pahang, Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah, whose longstanding commitment to traditional arts has been credited with strengthening the weaving and handicraft sector in Sarawak.
During the Sarawak–Pahang Friendship Dinner at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly Banquet Hall, Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg highlighted the royal consort’s pivotal role in advancing local crafts. He noted that her consistent encouragement has fostered closer cooperation between Sarawak, Pahang, and Kraftangan Malaysia.
The Premier explained that Her Royal Highness’s visits to Sarawak have created opportunities for collaboration in areas such as songket weaving, pua kumbu, rattan work, and bead crafts. These initiatives have led to artisan exchange programmes designed to enhance skills while safeguarding traditional practices.
He also recalled that the Tengku Ampuan had previously offered valuable guidance to his late wife on a weaving project carried out in partnership with the Malaysian Prisons Department. “InshaAllah, Your Royal Highness, this project will be continued by my daughter, Dayang Norjihan, and her associates,” he said.
Abang Zohari stressed that Sarawak places high value on the royal couple’s dedication to ensuring that weaving, plaiting, and other heritage crafts remain sustainable industries. He added that such efforts not only preserve cultural identity but also provide economic opportunities for local communities.
The Premier also extended appreciation to His Royal Highness Sultan of Pahang, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, acknowledging the royal couple’s commitment to strengthening ties between the two states.
The dinner was attended by a distinguished gathering, including the Sultan of Pahang, the Tengku Ampuan, and Sarawak Governor Tun Pehin Sri Dr. Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar with Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi.
Also, present were Tengku Arif Bendahara Tengku Muhammad Iskandar Ri’ayatuddin Shah and his consort, Tengku Natasya Puteri Tengku Adnan, alongside the Pahang Menteri Besar Dato Sri Diraja Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail and his wife, Datin Sri Diraja Dato Burhah Mohammed.
Other dignitaries included Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Professor Dr. Sim Kui Hian, Speaker of the Sarawak Legislative Assembly Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nasar, state ministers, executive councillors, and senior officials from both Sarawak and Pahang.
The event underscored the importance of cultural diplomacy in strengthening interstate relations, with traditional arts serving as a bridge between communities.
Observers noted that the royal couple’s involvement has not only elevated the profile of Sarawak’s artisans but also reinforced Malaysia’s broader efforts to preserve its diverse cultural heritage.
