KUCHING – The highest representative of the state in Sarawak extended his personal sympathies to the bereaved relatives of a local resident who passed away earlier this week.
His Excellency the Governor, Tun Pehin Sri Dr Haji Wan Junaidi bin Tuanku Jaafar, accompanied by Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Hajjah Fauziah binti Mohd Sanusi, made a solemn visit to the family of the late Wan Zain bin Wan Mustafa.
The dignitaries arrived at the Abyad Mosque, situated within the Taman Matang Jaya residential area, on the evening of Wednesday, 30 July. Their presence underscored the close ties between the state leadership and the local community, offering comfort during a period of significant mourning.
Upon their arrival, the royal party was received by key family members and mosque officials. Among those greeting the Governor were the deceased’s brothers, Encik Wan Ahmad Zaidi bin Wan Mustapha and Wan Ibrahim bin Wan Mustapha.
Also present to welcome the distinguished guests were Tuan Haji Zainudin, known locally as Shastri bin Kolek, who serves as the Chairman of the Mosque, and the Deputy Chairman, Tuan Haji Mohamad Ibrahim bin Hamid.
The elder sister of the late Wan Zain, Puan Sharifah Khadijah binti Wan Mustapha, was also in attendance to receive the condolences. The visit provided an opportunity for the governor and Toh Puan to engage directly with the immediate family, including the widow, Puan Sharifah Aminah binti Wan Hamid.
Further strengthening the sense of communal support, the couple spent time with other surviving relatives.
This included the daughter of the deceased, Puan Zainah Wan Zain, her husband Encik Mohd Bahari bin Mohamad Salleh, and the grandchildren, Ahmad Adam and Zayne Zidane. The gathering highlighted the multi-generational impact of the loss on the household.
Extended family members also joined the occasion. Those present included Encik Wan Ali bin Wan Abdul Hamid, Encik Syed Umar bin Wan Abdul Hamid, and Encik Wan Zaidi bin Wan Mohbar.
Puan Sharifah Ramiah binti Wan Mohbar was also noted among the attendees, reflecting the broad network of kinship surrounding the late Mr Wan Zain.
A significant portion of the visit was dedicated to spiritual observance. The Governor and Toh Puan participated in a brief tahlil session, a traditional Islamic prayer for the deceased. This recitation was conducted alongside the family and the broader mosque congregation.
The proceedings were led by Ustaz Muhamad Luqman Hakim bin Hirman, the Imam of Masjid Abyad, ensuring the rites were performed according to religious custom. Following the prayers, the party joined the congregation for the fardhu isyak prayer.
Wan Zain bin Wan Mustafa passed away at the age of sixty-six. He breathed his last at 7.40 am on the day of his death at the Sarawak General Hospital. His departure has left a void in the community, particularly among those who knew him through his long-standing connections in the Matang area.
During the visit, Tun Pehin Sri and Toh Puan conveyed their deepest condolences to the grieving family. They expressed hope that those left behind would be granted the necessary strength and fortitude to navigate their grief.
The state leadership emphasised the importance of patience and resilience during such difficult times, offering words of encouragement to the widow and children.
The visit concluded with prayers for the deceased, asking that he be placed among the believers and those who performed righteous deeds. The Arabic supplication offered was “اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لَهُ وَارْحَمْهُ وَعَافِهِ وَاعْفُ عَنْهُ,” which translates to a request for forgiveness, mercy, healing, and pardon for the departed soul.
Such visits by the Head of State are a longstanding tradition in Sarawak, reflecting the cultural and religious values of the region. By personally attending to the families of the deceased, the governor reinforces the social fabric and demonstrates solidarity with citizens from all walks of life.
The presence of mosque leaders further cemented the collaborative spirit between religious institutions and the state administration in providing pastoral care to the community.
The late Wan Zain is survived by his wife, siblings, children, and grandchildren, who now carry forward his legacy within the Taman Matang Jaya neighbourhood.
