BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN – The Governor of Sarawak, Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, accompanied by Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi, attended a dinner at the Rumbia Restaurant in Bandar Seri Begawan on 14 July.
The event formed part of their official visit to Brunei Darussalam, where they joined celebrations marking the 80th birthday of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah.
The evening brought together senior figures from both Sarawak and Brunei. Among those present were Sarawak’s Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan and his wife, Dato Hajah Dayang Morliah Awang Daud.
Also attending were former Brunei minister Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Wijaya Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Awang Abdul Aziz bin Begawan Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Haji Awang Umar, his wife Datin Paduka Hajah Edah binti Haji Mohd Noor, and their son Dato Seri Pahlawan Hamzah with his wife Datin Dr Anita, who owns the Rumbia Restaurant.
The gathering was further joined by Tuan Haji Samat bin Junai, Chief Executive Officer of the Sarawak Tourism and Trade Office Brunei (STATOB), as well as Awangku Jinal Abedin Dato Pengiran Jawa, Political Secretary to the Premier of Sarawak, alongside other senior officials. Their presence highlighted the significance of the occasion in reinforcing diplomatic and cultural bonds.
The dinner followed the governor’s arrival in Brunei earlier that day, where he was welcomed with full ceremonial honours, including an inspection of the Royal Brunei Guard of Honour. The official visit was made at the invitation of the Brunei government, reflecting the importance placed on Sarawak’s participation in the milestone celebration.
The Sultan’s 80th birthday marks a significant moment in Brunei’s history, recognising his long reign since 1967 and his role in ensuring national stability and prosperity. The celebrations included a series of official functions, such as the Royal Audience and Conferment Ceremony of State Honours at Istana Nurul Iman, attended by dignitaries from across the region.
During the dinner, Tun Pehin Sri Wan Junaidi and Toh Puan Fauziah expressed gratitude for the warm hospitality extended by their Bruneian hosts. They emphasised the importance of continuing to nurture the longstanding friendship and cooperation between Sarawak and Brunei, noting that such engagements contribute to mutual prosperity and regional unity.
The atmosphere of the evening was described as cordial and harmonious, reflecting the deep-rooted ties between the two neighbours. The event served not only as a social occasion but also as a platform to reaffirm commitments to collaboration in areas such as cultural exchange, tourism, and trade.
Observers noted that the governor’s participation in the Sultan’s birthday celebrations underscores Sarawak’s respect for Brunei’s monarchy and its dedication to strengthening bilateral relations. The visit is expected to pave the way for further cooperation, reinforcing shared values and aspirations between the two territories.
As Sarawak continues to spotlight its regional partnerships, the governor’s presence in Brunei highlights the enduring importance of diplomacy, cultural heritage, and mutual respect in fostering strong ties across Southeast Asia.
