KUCHING – The Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Sarawak, Tun Pehin Sri Dr. Wan Junaidi bin Tuanku Jaafar, joined devotees for Friday prayers at the Kuching City Mosque on 3 April.
Accompanying the governor was his son-in-law, Encik Muhammad Nur Hakeem Yusop. The occasion highlighted the governor’s ongoing engagement with the local Muslim community, a tradition that underscores unity in the diverse state of Sarawak.
Upon arrival, Tun Pehin Sri received a warm reception from several prominent figures. These included YB Dato Haji Ibrahim Baki, Deputy Minister of Utilities for Sarawak responsible for Sarawak Energy and PETROS; YBhg. Datuk Haji Misnu bin Haji Taha, President of the Sarawak Islamic Council; Sahibus Samahah Datu Haji Khalidi bin Haji Ibrahim, the Mufti of Sarawak; and Sahibul Siyadah Tuan Haji Mual bin Haji Suaud, Director of the Sarawak Islamic Religious Department. Mosque staff on duty also joined the welcoming party.
Among those participating in the prayers was Sahibul Fadhilah Dato Haji Mustapha Kamal bin Ahmad Fauzi, the Grand Imam of Sarawak. The event drew a gathering of faithful residents, reflecting the mosque’s role as a central hub for religious observance in the city.
The obligatory Friday prayers, known as Fardhu, were guided by Alfadhil Ustaz Muhammad Addaha bin Zaidi, an Assistant Islamic Affairs Officer from LAKMNS. He also delivered the khutbah, or sermon, titled “Piety; The Way Out of Distress, the Key to Eternal Happiness.” This theme resonates deeply in Islamic teachings, emphasising spiritual devotion as a path to overcoming challenges and achieving lasting joy.
Kuching City Mosque, a key landmark in the heart of Sarawak’s capital, has long served as a place of worship and community gathering. Established to cater to the growing Muslim population, it hosts regular congregational prayers and significant religious events. Friday prayers hold particular importance in Islam, mandatory for men and symbolising communal solidarity.
Following the conclusion of the prayers, Tun Pehin Sri extended greetings to those present. He shook hands with attendees, fostering closer connections within the congregation. In a gesture of generosity, he distributed envelopes containing donations to children who had joined the prayers.
This act of benevolence aligns with cultural practices in Malaysia, where leaders often support community initiatives during religious observances. Sarawak, with its multicultural fabric comprising Malay, Chinese, Iban, and other groups, places high value on such inclusive gestures that promote harmony.
Tun Pehin Sri later shared his appreciation for the opportunity. He expressed gratitude for performing the prayers alongside the local community and offered prayers for the protection of all Sarawakians. He hoped the state would continue to thrive, buoyed by a strong sense of unity.
The governor’s participation comes amid Sarawak’s broader efforts to strengthen religious and social cohesion. As head of state since January 2024, Tun Pehin Sri Dr. Wan Junaidi, a former federal minister and speaker of the Dewan Rakyat, has championed initiatives that bridge communities. His presence at the mosque reinforces the role of public figures in everyday religious life.
Sarawak’s Islamic institutions, including the Majlis Islam Sarawak (LAKMNS) and the Mufti’s office, play vital roles in guiding the state’s Muslim population, which forms a significant portion of its 2.8 million residents. Events like this Friday prayer gathering exemplify how faith intersects with leadership in promoting progress and wellbeing.
Local media reports and community accounts confirm the smooth conduct of the event, with no disruptions noted. The Kuching City Mosque continues to be a focal point for such high-profile visits, enhancing its status as a symbol of a spiritual centre in the region.
This visit also spotlighted key religious leaders, whose attendance underscores institutional support for communal worship. Sarawak’s approach to governance often integrates faith-based activities, contributing to the state’s reputation for stability and inclusivity.
