KUCHING – The Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak, Tun Pehin Sri Dr Haji Wan Junaidi bin Tuanku Jaafar, attended Friday prayers at Demak Baru Mosque, Kampung Demak Baru Phase 1, Petra Jaya, on 17 April.
His arrival was greeted warmly by the mosque’s chairman, Tuan Haji Ibrahim Naihat, alongside committee members, worshippers, and local residents.
The occasion reflected the close ties between the state’s leadership and the community, with many turning out to welcome the governor.
The prayer session was led by Ustaz Zaimi bin Sakawi, the mosque’s imam, who also delivered a sermon entitled “Rapatkan Saf, Perkukuhkan Kesatuan”, focusing on unity and solidarity among Muslims.
The message emphasised the importance of strengthening communal bonds, a theme often highlighted in Friday sermons across Malaysia.
Several dignitaries were present, including YBhg Datuk Haji Abang Abdul Wahap bin Haji Abang Julai and YBhg Dato Haji Wan Abdul Wahab bin Wan Sanusi, underscoring the significance of the event within the local religious and social calendar.
Following the prayers, Tun Pehin Sri signed the mosque’s official visitor book, marking the occasion as part of his ongoing engagement with communities across Sarawak.
He later posed for a group photograph with mosque officials and distinguished guests, a gesture symbolising his support for grassroots institutions.
Before departing, the governor spent time mingling with worshippers, exchanging greetings and strengthening personal connections.
He also distributed donation envelopes to children from the congregation, an act that highlighted his commitment to fostering goodwill and supporting families.
The visit to Demak Baru Mosque reflects a broader tradition of Sarawak’s leaders participating in community religious activities, reinforcing the state’s emphasis on unity and inclusivity.
Such engagements are seen as vital in maintaining strong ties between governance and the people, particularly in multi-ethnic and multi-religious Sarawak.
Religious gatherings of this nature often serve as platforms for reinforcing social cohesion, with leaders demonstrating solidarity with citizens through shared practices.
The governor’s presence at the mosque not only underscored his role as a spiritual figurehead but also reaffirmed the importance of community-centred leadership in Sarawak.
As Sarawak continues to highlight its cultural and religious diversity, events like these remain central to strengthening bonds across communities.
The governor’s participation at Demak Baru Mosque is a reminder of the enduring connection between leadership, faith, and the people of Sarawak.
