SAMARAHAN – Pemangku Raja Negeri Sarawak, Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak, Tun Pehin Sri Dr Haji Wan Junaidi bin Tuanku JAafar bersolat fardhu Jumaat di masjid Al Ikhlas, Kampung Sindang Baru pada 23 Januari.
He was welcomed upon arrival by YB Dato Haji Idris bin Buang, Deputy Speaker of the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly and State Assemblyman for Muara Tuang, also in attendance were senior religious officials such as Ustaz Haji Mual bin Haji Suaud, Director of Islamic Religious Department; and Ustaz Haji Ahmad Sukarno bin Saini, Director of the Sarawak Mufti Department. The mosque’s chairman, Tuan Haji Mohamad Fathi bin Haji Mat and the committee members, as well as local congregants also received the Governor.
Meanwhile, Samarahan Division was represented by the congregation of Majlis Sambutan. They were Samarahan Divisional Resident Mr Mohamad Irwan bin Bahari Bujang, Samarahan District Officer Mr Ahmad bin Abdul Razak and Temenggong Haji Chek bin Bujang besides department heads and agency representatives in the division.
The prayers were led by Ustaz Bahrin bin Kawi, Islamic Religious Officer for Samarahan Division before delivered sermon titled “Syaaban Preparations for Welcoming Ramadhan”. His message centered on spiritual preparedness and community togetherness in anticipation of the holy month.
After the prayers, Tun Pehin Sr Wan Junaidi signed on the mosque’s official visitor book and afterwards took a commemorative photograph with the committee members. It was viewed as a sign of respect and gratitude for what the mosque does to accommodate the local population.
Before leaving, the Governor took time to interact with the faithful. He handed out envelopes of donations to children and shook hands with members of the congregation; it was reported that he offered greetings in a bid to build ties with the Muslim community of Samarahan.
The visit was a reflection of the significance of strong relations between the leaders of state and local communities, as well as the mosques being places of worship, unity and social solidarity. The attendance of the Yang di-Pertua Negeri was warmly welcomed and this shows his continuous efforts to get in touch with the people of Sarawak.
