KUCHING – Sarawak’s Head of State, Tun Pehin Sri Dr. Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, and his wife, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi, hosted a group of nine Sarawakian students currently pursuing studies in the United Kingdom at their official residence today.
The meeting, held in an informal and relaxed setting, was led by Summer Bay, representing the Sarawak Students’ Association in the United Kingdom. The purpose of the visit was to introduce the association’s new leadership and gain valuable insights and guidance from the Yang di-Pertua Negeri.
During the session, Tun Pehin Sri Dr. Wan Junaidi shared his vast experience in state and national legal affairs, underscoring the importance of understanding:
- The Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63)
- The Federal Constitution
- The Sarawak State Constitution
- The role of the Yang di-Pertua Negeri institution
He also highlighted the uniqueness of Sarawak’s legal system, particularly Native Customary Rights (NCR) concerning Bumiputera land ownership — a critical element of Sarawak’s legal identity.
“We should seriously consider setting up a law faculty in Sarawak’s local universities to train future legal professionals who fully understand the context and legal framework of our state,” said Tun Pehin Sri Dr. Wan Junaidi.
He further advised students entering the legal field to attend court proceedings regularly to gain real-world legal experience and urged them not to take shortcuts in their professional journeys.
In conclusion, the Head of State called on students to return home after completing their studies and contribute to Sarawak’s progress, echoing the state government’s long-term goal of developing local expertise and expanding job opportunities.
