KUCHING – The Governor of Sarawak, Tun Pehin Sri Dr. Haji Wan Junaidi bin Tuanku Jaafar, together with his wife, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Binti Mohd. Sanusi, attended an iftar ceremony at the Dewan Santapan, Surau Astana Sarawak, on Sunday evening.
The couple was accompanied by their daughter, Sharifah Nong-Jasima, and her husband, Encik Muhammad Nur Hakeem Yusop. Their arrival was warmly received by YB Datuk Hajah Sharifah Hasidah binti Sayeed Aman Ghazali, Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Law, Malaysia Agreement 1963 and State-Federal Relations), along with her husband, YBhg. Dato Sayeed Mohd. Hussein bin Wan Abdul Rahman.
The event brought together a diverse group of attendees, including YBhg. Dato Georgina Apphia Ngau, Director of the Other Religious Affairs Unit (UNIFOR), with her husband Mr. Peter Bryan Morrison. Leaders of various faiths also joined the gathering, among them Archbishop Dato’ Dr. Simon Poh, YBhg. Dato Dr. Kalwinder Singh Khaira, YBhg. Dato Shankar R.P. Asnani with YBhg. Datin Karishma Shankar Asnani, Mr. Krishnarao A/L Subramaniam @ Prabhu Kripa, Dr. Shehab Phung Chee Wei and Kapitan Tan Kok Shiang.
Other notable figures present included YBhg. Datu Haji Mohammad Sepuan Anu, President of the Sarawak Government Pensioners Association; Mr. Hamdan Bin Jar’ee, Director of JAKIM Sarawak Branch; Tuan Haji Amat Kassim bin Pait, Director of the Sarawak Haji Fund Management Board; and Mr. Zaidi bin Narawi, Kuching District Officer, accompanied by his wife, Puan Norhasyimah binti Yaccob.
The ceremony began with a light iftar, followed by Maghrib prayers and a communal breaking of fast. Guests later mingled with the governor and his wife, taking souvenir photographs with the UNIFOR delegation and religious leaders.
The evening concluded with Isyak and Tarawih prayers led by Ustaz Awang Mohamad Safwan bin Awang Sefari. In his remarks, Tun Pehin Sri expressed gratitude for the opportunity to gather in an atmosphere of harmony, noting that such occasions strengthen unity and foster mutual respect among communities.
The presence of leaders from different religious backgrounds underscored Sarawak’s cultural diversity and its longstanding tradition of inclusivity. The event highlighted the state’s commitment to maintaining peace and respect across communities, reinforcing Sarawak’s reputation as a model of unity in Malaysia.
