KUCHING – His Excellency Tun Pehin Sri Dr Haji Wan Junaidi bin Tuanku Jaafar, Governor of Sarawak, together with Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah binti Mohd Sanusi, received a courtesy visit from the Miri Jatti Miriek Association at his official residence in Petra Jaya on 4 February. The meeting began at 10.00 am and was attended by senior representatives of the association.
The delegation was led by YBhg. Dato’ Mohamad Safri bin Datuk Haji Abdillah, Vice President of the association, who represented the President. He was accompanied by Deputy President and Chief of the Tribe Tuan Haji Usman bin Suleiman, Honorary Secretary Pemanca Haji Ujut bin Rahman, Honorary Treasurer Hajah Malati binti Tani, Information Officer Puan Robiah binti Tani, Auditor Puan Marini binti Juraibi, as well as Penghulu Andara bin Salleh, Encik Hasnan bin Ahmad, Encik Junaidi bin Mailie and Puan Kartini binti Sahari.
The purpose of the visit was to formally introduce the association’s committee members and to seek guidance from the Governor on strengthening the association’s role in empowering the Jatti Miriek community in Sarawak. The delegation also conveyed its gratitude to Tun Pehin Sri for his efforts in ensuring that Sarawak’s ethnic groups are officially recognised by the state government.
During the discussion, Tun Pehin Sri highlighted the significance of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), stressing that its recognition and incorporation into the Federal Constitution is essential to safeguard the rights of Sarawakians. He emphasised that the agreement remains central to the spirit of Malaysia’s formation and must continue to be upheld.
He further advised the association’s members to carry out their responsibilities with sincerity, noting that culture and heritage are not merely remnants of the past but serve as vital foundations for identity and societal progress. Furthermore, he commended the association’s initiatives in publishing books on Jatti Miriek culture and heritage, describing such efforts as crucial in preserving traditions for future generations.
In his remarks, Tun Pehin Sri expressed hope that the association would continue to achieve its mission of protecting heritage, language, and culture while also advancing the welfare of its members. He underlined that these objectives are consistent with Sarawak’s broader development agenda, which seeks to balance modernisation with cultural preservation.
The meeting concluded with prayers from Tun Pehin Sri and Toh Puan, wishing the association success in its endeavours to strengthen community identity and ensure that the Jatti Miriek heritage remains resilient against the passage of time.
