KUCHING – Sarawak Governor, Tun Pehin Sri Dr Haji Wan Junaidi bil Tan Ku Jaafar and Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah binti Mohd Sanusi attended a dinner in conjunction with the opening of the Sarawak Shariah Legislative Year 2026. It was held at the Raia Hotel and Convention Centre on 22 January.
The evening started with the arrival of dignitaries at 8.30pm where they were welcomed by YB Datuk Dr Haji Abdul Rahman bin Haji Junaidi, the Deputy Minister in Sarawak Premier’s Department, together with Datuk Haji Misnu bin Haji Taha, President of Sarawak Islamic Council and Datu Haji Awang Suhaili bin Ledi the Chief Shariah Judge of Sarawak.
Among the senior representatives who graced the dinner was Sarawak’s Premier, YAB Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg, and his daughter, Puan Dayang Nurjihan. Among the distinguished guests were YB Dato Sri Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Minister of Tourism, Art and Culture Minister cum Minister of Youth Sports and Entrepreneur development; YB Datuk Abdullah bin Hj Saidol, Deputy Home Ministry II (Department of Corp Affairs) & Information Division; and YB Datuk Hajjah Sharifah Hasidah binti Sayeed Aman Ghazali’, Ministry Law MA63 State-Federal Relation.
In his speech, Chief Shariah Judge Datu Haji Awang Suhaili said the appearance of the Governor and Toh Puan signified solid backing towards the shariah judicial administration and expunctions in Sarawak. He added that Tun Pehin Sri has done much for our country in terms of legislation, particularly in the consolidation and enhancement of governance issues and the principle of Rule of Law.
The Premier of Sarawak stressed the significance of the presence of a Ruler, saying that it exemplified collective commitment on the part of states to forge ahead with “a good shariah justice system which can be operated professionally and with integrity and public trust”. It must stay in tune with constitutional principles and the laws of the land,” he underscored.
At the occasion, Tun Pehin Sri Wan Junaidi also launched the symbolic launching of Shariah Court Journal 2026. Posted by Sarawak shariah Judicial Department, the journal is considered to be a main academic source contributing to discussion on shariah and reference for practitioners of law throughout the state.
Ruler and Toh Puan thanked the Premier and the Shariah Judicial Department on the successful organisation of the opening. They expressed confidence that the project would have a long-term impact on the development of shariah law in Sarawak.
Tun Pehin Sri also hoped that the Shariah Judicial Department would continue to play an increasingly significant role in enhancing the administration of shariah law and progress. The occurrence reflected Sarawak’s effort in strengthening the judiciary and promoting harmony and justice within its jurisdiction.
