KUCHING – Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Openg welcomed a courtesy call from Vice Admiral Dato’ Khir Junaidi Idris, Commander of the Eastern Fleet of the Royal Malaysian Navy (TLDM), on Friday at the Kompleks Satria Pertiwi in Kuching.
This meeting marked the first official encounter between the Premier and the Navy’s Eastern Fleet leader.
Accompanying Vice Admiral Khir Junaidi were top naval officers including Admiral Hazni Mohd Taib, Captain Rusdi Hisyam, Captain Nor Fazeli Jaafar, Lieutenant Commander Muhammad Thomas Angom Abdullah, and Lieutenant Commander Izuan Mat Hussi.
During the visit, exchanges likely touched upon regional maritime security, naval cooperation, and the strategic significance of Sarawak’s waters. The Eastern Fleet Commander has in other contexts emphasised Malaysia’s commitment to enhancing maritime readiness and multilateral naval engagement.
The venue, Kompleks Satria Pertiwi, is the new official office and residence of the Sarawak Premier, inaugurated in August 2025. It has been dubbed Sarawak’s “White House” due to its prominent architecture and role in state leadership.
The meeting underscores the importance of strengthening civil-military relations in the state, particularly given Sarawak’s strategic position along Malaysia’s coastal frontiers. It also reflects the Navy’s interest in bolstering its presence and partnerships within East Malaysia.