KUCHING – His Excellency the Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak, Tun Pehin Sri Dr Haji Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, together with his wife, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi, hosted the Sungkei Perdana Ceremony held at Astana Sarawak today (4 March 2026). The event saw Sarawak’s top government leaders come together for a night of worship and Ramadan fellowship.
The ceremony, held in the Dewan Santapan and Surau Astana, started with a food buffet for iftar, which was also followed by Maghrib prayers in congregation. Guests enjoyed dinner in an inviting and friendly atmosphere before continuing their night with Isyak and Terawih prayers led by Dato Haji Mustapha Kamal Ahmad Fauzi, the Grand Imam of Sarawak.
The state’s dignitaries included Sarawak Premier YAB Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Johari Tun Openg in the company of his daughter Puan Dayang Nurjihan; Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and his wife, Dato Doreen Mayang; Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Prof Dr Sim Kui Hian and his wife, Dato Enn Ong Siok Ean; and Speaker of the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar.
The event was also attended by the Minister of Women, Children and Community Wellbeing, Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah; the Minister of Tourism, Creative Industries and Performing Arts, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, with his wife, Datin Sri Zuraini Abdul Jabbar; the Minister of Transport, Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin; and several other federal and state dignitaries.
After the prayers, the governor, Tun Pehin Sri, and his wife, Toh Puan, visited moreh stalls that served traditional Ramadan delicacies like sotong tuntok, roti john, gulapong ice cream, apam balik and assorted cucur. These dishes incorporated Sarawak’s rich culinary culture during the holy month that added a festive touch in the evening.
Tun Pehin Sri’s reflections further highlight that spending quality time with leaders cements ties between the people and those who lead them, while promoting trust, sincerity and accountability. He hoped Ramadan would motivate all parties to perform their responsibilities sincerely and enable worship images to be lucrative for Sarawak.
At the official Sungkei Perdana Ceremony held at Astana Sarawak, it was also evident that state leadership, which has diverse backgrounds, can still be united in upholding spiritual and community values. It also highlighted the significance of Ramadan as a period of lightheartedness, unity and appreciation of the abundance given to the people of Sarawak.
