KUCHING – The Governor of Sarawak, Tun Pehin Sri Dr. Haji Wan Junaidi bin Tuanku Jaafar accompanied by his wife Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah binti Mohd Sanusi paid a courtesy visit to the official residence of the Private Secretary to the Governor Tuan Haji Junih bin Salleh Ahmad at Taman Malaga, Jalan Matang here Tuesday afternoon.
The visit was at 2.30 pm, after Tuan Haji Junih’s health had caused concern. The Governor and his royal consort also took the opportunity to meet Hamzah in person at UMMC which was cordoned off by a security line before paying their respect to Puan Hajah Hasnah binti Mohd Kassim, consoling her words of encouragement besides reciting sayings prayers for his speedy recovery.
The Governor was accompanied by some senior officials during the visit. They were the Senior Private Secretary to the Governor, YBhg. Dato’ Sri Haji Syed Hamzah bin Syed Paie & Senior Press Secretary, Encik Samuel Simon and other staff of the Governor’s office. Their attendance served notice that the Governor’s administration as a whole stood behind its embattled colleague.
The gathering was not just a display of compassion, but also of solidarity within the state’s leadership. They are often considered reflecting the values of Sarawak’s culture, which prioritises strong community ties and respect for colleagues.
At the session, Tuan Haji Junih is wished to get well soon by YAB Govenor and Toh Puan. They prayed for a recovery and a return to his duties in the fullness of time. “We pray for the best for Tuan Haji Junih, that Allah SWT will give him good health and a speedy recovery, to be able to carry out his duties as normal,” they said.
This is the Governor, of course compassion is required, “As leaders we are also to be about compassion and understanding when those in our administrations deal with personal issues.” It’s also the wider practice that decades-old tradition in Sarawak where its leaders, more often than not, keep close connection to their staff and community – a way of solidarity and compassion.
Such acts have symbolic significance, observers say, as they remind citizens that leadership is not just about administration but also about empathy and moral support. In Sarawak, where the sense of community is largely intact, such gestures ring out loud and are seen as a sign of public confidence in the state’s institutions.
The visit ended with the Governor and his aides sharing warm handshakes, replaced by an introduced officer shaking hands with family members, in an expression of support and hope. It was an eye-opener for numerous people who were reminded that the human element in governance, compassion and caring is indispensable to Sarawak leaders.
