KUCHING – The Sarawak State Chief Minister, Tun Pehin Sri Dr Haji Wan Junaidi bin Tuanku Jaafar, together with his wife Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah binti Mohd Sanusi, attended the Sarawak Shines: Diwali the Sarawak Way ceremony on 17 November at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK).
The event was organised by the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple Kuching in collaboration with the Unit for Other Religions (UNIFOR), bringing together leaders and communities from across Sarawak. Their daughters, Sharifah Fariah and Sharifah Nong-Jasima, accompanied them to the celebration.
Upon arrival, the Chief Minister and his family were warmly received by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and his wife Datin Doreen Mayang, alongside Dato Shankar Ram Asnani, President of Sri Maha Mariamman Temple Kuching, and his wife Datin Karishma Shankar Asnani.
Also present were Dato Georgina Apphia Ngau, UNIFOR Director, Penghulu Lucy Lingam, and other distinguished guests.
The ceremony reflected Sarawak’s multi-racial and multi-religious harmony, with participation from leaders representing Christian, Buddhist, Taoist, Sikh, Bahai and Hindu communities.
Guests were treated to a vibrant programme featuring traditional Deepavali dances, Kollywood songs, and cultural performances showcasing Sarawak’s diversity.
During the evening, attendees enjoyed a variety of Indian and local dishes, while the Chief Minister and his wife mingled with members of the Indian community and other guests of honour.
The highlight of the programme included speeches by Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah and Dato Shankar Ram Asnani.
In his address, Datuk Amar praised Tun Pehin Sri Wan Junaidi as a leader who remains close to the people regardless of race or religion, describing him as a unifying figure for Sarawak society.
Meanwhile, Dato Shankar expressed gratitude for the Chief Minister’s role in embedding the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) into the Federal Constitution, a move seen as restoring Sarawak’s rights that had previously been diminished.
A symbolic “Lighting of the Oil Lamp” ceremony was officiated by Datuk Amar, Dato Shankar, and other guests of honour, marking the official launch of the celebration.
Tun Pehin Sri Wan Junaidi and Toh Puan Fauziah conveyed their appreciation to the organisers for the invitation, noting that such events strengthen the bonds of Sarawak’s diverse communities.
They emphasised the importance of continuing initiatives that foster unity and mutual respect across the state.
The Diwali celebration at BCCK stood as a testament to Sarawak’s commitment to inclusivity, cultural appreciation, and the spirit of togetherness that defines the state’s identity.
