BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN – Sarawak Governor Tun Pehin Sri Dr. Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and wife Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi convened a significant meeting with His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah and Her Majesty Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha at Istana Nurul Iman on Tuesday afternoon.
The 15-minute royal audience, described as “warm and respectful,” focused on strengthening bilateral relations between Sarawak and Brunei Darussalam. Sarawak’s leadership delegation including Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Openg and Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan attended the 2:00 PM session.
Tun Dr. Wan Junaidi expressed profound gratitude for the royal audience, stating: “We convey highest appreciation to Their Majesties for this gracious opportunity.” He emphasized the strategic importance of ongoing cooperation, adding: “I pray the friendly relations and diplomatic ties between Malaysia – particularly Sarawak – and Brunei Darussalam will continue to deepen for mutual prosperity.”
The meeting followed Tuesday morning’s investiture ceremony honoring the Sultan’s 79th birthday, where the Sarawak delegation received Brunei’s Stars of Merit. Observers note the back-to-back engagements signal accelerated cooperation on energy, border trade, and cultural exchange following recent memoranda between the Borneo neighbors.
Strategic Context: This marks the first palace meeting between Tun Dr. Wan Junaidi and the Sultan since the Governor’s 2023 appointment. The inclusion of Sarawak’s Premier highlights the state’s autonomous diplomatic role within Malaysia’s federal structure.
