LUMUT – The Sarawak Governor, Tun Pehin Sri Dr Haji Wan Junaidi bin Tuanku Jaafar, and his wife, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah binti Mohd Sanusi, were treated to a special welcome when they spent time with Sarawakian children at the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) Base here on Sunday afternoon.
The session, which started at 2.00 pm, took place at M. Sidek Shabudin Hall and was one of the programmes of the governor’s official visit to the naval base.
The Governor was accompanied by YB Dato Sri Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Sarawak’s Minister of Tourism, Creative Industries and Performing Arts cum Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development, and also joined by his wife, Datin Sri Hajah Zuraini Abdul Jabbar.
Relatives had also accompanied the delegation: Sharifah Nong-Jasima, daughter of Sharifah Fariah, and her husband, Muhammad Nur Hakeem Yusop.
The event was well-attended, with 268 schoolchildren from Sarawak that are currently serving and staying at the RMN Base invited to witness the ceremony.
It was a session of the people in Sarawak which aimed at forging closer relationships between the Sarawakian leadership and her own people residing outside the state, with particular reference to those who are serving in the national defence.
The recipients whose awards were presented by the Governor and Toh Puan during the event are recipients of the Outstanding Sarawak Child Award in recognition of their outstanding achievements and contributions. There was also assistance to the sick as a way of health welfare and community care by the state.
Welcoming Was Intimate and Animated The atmosphere was one of warmth and affability; the governor and Toh Puan even had a moment to engage the guests. They shook hands, chatted and took selfies with the kids, making it a day to remember for all in attendance.
The engagement is part of a wider programme during the governor’s visit to Lumut and Perak State, which involved courtesy calls on naval leadership, operational briefs and visits to selected facilities.
Huge priority seemed to be given to community ties and acknowledging Sarawak’s diaspora (at least) in national institutions, considering that even Sarawakian children were included in the itinerary.
The Governor’s visit to the RMN base also indicated that Sarawak recognised the roles played by naval forces in protecting Malaysia’s territorial waters.
The visit also served to demonstrate the state’s continuous support for Sarawakian children and personnel who have sacrificed for national security while remaining deeply rooted within culture and community.
The ceremony ended with the lunch, which was held in a warm and cordial atmosphere, enhancing more ties between the leadership of Sarawak and its people at Lumut Base.
