SARAWAK conferred the Pingat Perwira Negeri (PPN) on three former police officers this year, which was driven by a long-standing commitment to recognise those who fought directly against communist insurgents in the 1970s. Head of State, Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, said the state award was created to honour security personnel who had risked their lives in jungle operations and armed engagements, but were not formally recognised at the federal level due to administrative limitations within the police system at the time. He said three recipients were awarded the PPN – Silver during the investiture ceremony on January 20, marking what he described as a meaningful step in acknowledging the sacrifices of Sarawak’s defenders. “The award is given based on direct involvement, and these individuals were involved in fighting the communists in the 1970s,” he told Sarawak Tribune in an exclusive interview.   Wan Junaidi explained that although the recipients had served in active combat, they did not receive recognition from the federal government, prompting Sarawak to establish its own form of appreciation, particularly for veterans from the armed forces and police. He said the issue had been close to his heart since the 1980s, when he served as chairman of the former police association and repeatedly raised the need to honour those who had served in dangerous operations. “This has been my struggle for a long time. Since 1987, I have raised it, but it was never properly addressed. Each time it came up, it was then forgotten,” he said. In 2014, when he became the Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, Wan Junaidi initiated the creation of a national medal, later approved by the federal government, to recognise police personnel who served during the Malayan Emergency (1948-1960 and 1969-1989) and the Sarawak Emergency (1952-1990). The award, known as Pingat Jasa Pahlawan Negara (PJPN), was introduced as a special form of recognition, similar to Pingat Jasa Malaysia (PJM) awarded to members of the armed forces who served during the same period. However, it did not specifically acknowledge individual acts of valour by police personnel in jungle operations during the Emergencies – a recognition Wan Junaidi had long aspired to see fulfilled. Wan Junaidi said that when he became the Head of State in 2023, he felt a responsibility to turn that hope into reality. “Those who fought, who risked their limbs and lives against the communists, should be given recognition. Even if it does not come with a specific allowance, it is still a symbol of appreciation from the state,” he said. Remembering Awang Sepian’s leadership in Durin The first recipient highlighted by Wan Junaidi was Inspector Awang Sepian Awang Juini, who served as a platoon commander during the Emergency years and later rose to the rank of Assistant Superintendent of Police. He said Awang Sepian was involved in multiple engagements across Sarawak, including operations in Sibu, Kapit, Bintangor and Sarikei, under the 15th Battalion Police Field Force based in Sibu. Wan Junaidi recalled one particular incident in 1970 during a company-level operation involving four platoons under the command of the late Datuk Amar Johnny Mustapha, when his own platoon triggered an initial engagement after walking into a communist trap. “My platoon made the first engagement. We entered a communist trap, but we survived. We had also unknowingly entered a minefield, but most of the mines did not detonate and those that did caused no serious injuries,” he said. It was then that Awang Sepian, positioned more than a kilometre away, reacted immediately upon hearing gunfire and set up an ambush route for insurgents fleeing the area. “When Awang Sepian heard the shooting, he quickly organised an ambush. The communists who fled from our area later ran straight into it and five were shot dead,” he said, adding that the incident occurred in Durin, Sibu. Despite the engagement’s significance, Wan Junaidi said it was never formally recognised due to delays in reporting during jungle operations. “Sometimes reports only reached battalion headquarters two or three weeks later and only brief reports were submitted. That is why the incident was never properly recorded,” he said. Anyang Inang’s discipline under fire Wan Junaidi also spoke about Corporal Nelson Anyang Inang, who served as his section commander during an ambush in Tulai and Bintangor, where a policeman was killed and another was seriously injured. He said Anyang demonstrated courage and composure during the firefight and later carried out follow-up operations that led to the arrest of several insurgents and the killing of one. “Anyang showed courage, but he also showed discipline and composure under fire,” he said. Wan Junaidi recalled giving Anyang strict instructions not to pursue beyond a set distance, citing the risk of accidental crossfire as another security unit was operating nearby. “I told him, ‘You may follow up, but not more than one kilometre. You must return before six o’clock’. We did not want to shoot our own men, especially at night,” he recalled. He said the operation in Tulai lasted two days, resulting in one death, one injury and the arrest of a suspected communist figure believed to have played a key role in operations in the Lower Rejang. Agam and the elite jungle unit The third recipient, Agam Galau, was described by Wan Junaidi as among the most skilled jungle operatives in the battalion, serving in a special 15-man reconnaissance unit. He said the unit operated with minimal equipment, carrying only food and sleeping without tents, using ponchos as shelter. “They went into the jungle without hammocks or tents. Only food. They were like commandos,” he said. Wan Junaidi said Agam was regarded as a “jungle man”, trained to the level of elite trackers, and often served as the right-hand man of Johnny Mustapha. He recalled Agam’s role in Muara Tebas during ‘Operation Hantam’, where a small section of 14 men faced more than 80 insurgents in a firefight that resulted in six communist casualties before reinforcements arrived. “We were 14 men, and they were more than 80. We killed six before reinforcements came in about ten minutes,” he said. Wan Junaidi also credited Agam’s alertness for preventing a potentially deadly friendly-fire incident involving an approaching army company at dusk. “If we had fired, I would not be here today. It was Agam’s competence and alertness that stopped it. He realised the group was not communists, but the army,” he said. A symbol of remembrance and gratitude Wan Junaidi said Sarawak’s PPN award represents a state-level effort to honour bravery that may have been overlooked at the time and serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who defended the state during a turbulent period. He expressed hope that the recognition would carry lasting meaning, not only for the recipients but also for the wider community. “This is a symbol of appreciation from Sarawak, especially for those who fought during that time,” he said.

TODAY marks two years since Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar officially assumed office as the eighth Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Sarawak. Since January 26, 2024, the Astana Negeri has been guided by a Head of State whose leadership reflects a rare blend of intellect, experience and approachability. As Sarawak commemorates this second anniversary, his tenure stands out for three defining strengths: intellectual leadership, a deep commitment to Sarawak’s rights within the Federation, and a “human touch” that continues to resonate with the rakyat. From the Jungle to the Astana Wan Junaidi’s path to the state’s highest office is rooted in service and discipline. His early years in the police force, serving during the communist insurgency, shaped his reputation as a steadfast protector of peace and security. Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, during the launch of TYT’s biography, ‘Pejuang Sejati: Dari Rimba Ke Astana’, described him as a leader of great integrity and credibility, reflecting a life journey that evolved from the uniform to public service and national leadership. His academic pursuits, including a Doctorate in Business Administration and long-standing legal expertise, have strengthened his role as a constitutional figure who understands governance at both federal and state levels. In his first two years as Head of State, he has also consistently emphasised the importance of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) as Sarawak continues to pursue its rightful place and interests within the national framework. A Unifying Father Figure One of the most distinctive qualities of Wan Junaidi’s leadership has been his steady presence as a symbol of unity. In a time when many societies face rising polarisation, Sarawak’s strength remains its harmony, a value he has repeatedly reinforced through his engagement across communities. From welcoming interfaith leaders at the Astana to supporting initiatives that reflect Sarawak’s multicultural character, Wan Junaidi has demonstrated that the Head of State belongs to all Sarawakians, regardless of race or religion. In a Sarawak Tribune column, the chairperson of YAST, Esther Law, and co-writer Argenis Agulo highlighted what they described as his ‘HEART’ philosophy: Humanity, Empathy, Authenticity, Responsibility and Togetherness, a theme increasingly associated with his public approach. Whether he is seen greeting the people of Sarawak at community events or interacting with ordinary Sarawakians in informal settings, his presence has helped bridge the distance between the institution and the people. Education and Social Welfare As Chancellor of Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) and the University of Technology Sarawak (UTS), Wan Junaidi has also placed emphasis on the development of human capital, encouraging young Sarawakians to view education not only as personal achievement but as a foundation for service and responsibility. On the social front, the Head of State and his wife, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi, have maintained a visible presence in community welfare and charitable causes. Their outreach reflects a leadership style anchored in compassion and attentiveness to the needs of ordinary people. Looking Ahead As Sarawak advances towards a future shaped by digital transformation and the green economy, having a Head of State with decades of administrative and legal experience provides a sense of stability and continuity. While the role is constitutional, Wan Junaidi’s leadership often shapes the tone it sets: one of unity, dignity and strength. May His Excellency continue to be blessed with good health and wisdom, as he serves Sarawak with steady leadership, a heart for the people and a vision for the future. Dirgahayu, Tun!

PETRA JAYA: Yang di-Pertua Negeri, Tun Pehin Sri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar serta isteri Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi telah menerima kunjungan hormat daripada Pesuruhjaya Tinggi Singapura ke Malaysia, Vanu Gapola Menon di kediamannya di sini, hari ini. Kehadiran beliau bertemu Tun Wan Junaidi untuk memaklumkan mengenai perancangan untuk mewujudkan pejabat konsul Singapura di Sarawak. Difahamkan, pejabat konsul Singapura masih lagi mencari lokasi strategik dan akan dilakukan pra-pembukaan pada waktu terdekat. Dalam pada itu, Tun Wan Junaidi dan Vano Gapula turut membincangkan bagaimana untuk meningkatkan industri pelancongan antara kedua-dua pihak yang mampu memberi manfaat secara dua hala. Hadir sama, Pengarah Pejabat Wilayah Sarawak, Kementerian Luar Negeri Malaysia Dato Fenny Nuli.    

KUCHING: Yang di-Pertua Negeri, Tun Pehin Sri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar bersama Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi meluangkan masa hujung minggu untuk mengunjungi Pasar Raya Emart Batu Kawa, hari ini. Kunjungan ini merupakan pengalaman pertama Tun Wan Junaidi dan Toh Puan Fauziah ke pasar raya berkenaan, meskipun sering mendengar tentangnya daripada anak-anak. Dalam lawatan tersebut, Tun Wan Junaidi turut membeli barangan persediaan sempena sambutan Tahun Baharu Cina 2026. Anaknya, Sharifah Fariah, turut bersama dalam kunjungan ini. Ketibaan Tun Wan Junaidi dan Toh Puan Fauziah disambut oleh Pengarah Pengurusan Emart Group, Ngu Ting Sii, bersama barisan pengurusan tertinggi dan pegawai kanan syarikat. Sepanjang berada di premis berkenaan, Tun Wan Junaidi dan Toh Puan Fauziah mengambil kesempatan beramah mesra serta berinteraksi dengan para pengunjung yang hadir, khususnya orang ramai yang memanfaatkan hujung minggu untuk membeli-belah. Tun Wan Junaidi dan Toh Puan Fauziah turut meninjau medan selera Emart yang menawarkan pelbagai pilihan makanan. Suasana yang meriah dengan kehadiran pengunjung mencerminkan peranan pasar raya tersebut sebagai salah satu tumpuan masyarakat setempat. Dalam kesempatan itu, ramai pengunjung turut mengambil peluang untuk bergambar bersama Tun Wan Junaidi dan Toh Puan Fauziah. Tun Wan Junaidi merakamkan setinggi-tinggi penghargaan dan ucapan terima kasih kepada pengurusan tertinggi Emart Group atas layanan yang baik, mesra dan profesional sepanjang kunjungan ini.

KUCHING: Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar dan isteri Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi mengunjungi Emart Baru Kawa di sini, hari ini. Kunjungan untuk membeli barangan keperluan dapur itu turut ditemani anak sulung mereka, Sharifah Fariah Tun Wan Junaidi. Difahamkan, aktiviti membeli barangan dapur sendiri merupakan rutin yang diamalkan oleh pasangan itu bagi memastikan keperluan harian yang dipilih sentiasa segar dan berkualiti. Antara barangan yang dibeli termasuk buah mandarin, limau bali, pelbagai jenis sayur-sayuran serta barangan keperluan lain. Pada masa sama, Tun Wan Junaidi dan isteri turut meluangkan masa beramah mesra dengan orang ramai.  Kehadiran mereka disambut mesra oleh para pengunjung, dengan ramai yang mengambil kesempatan berswafoto sebagai kenangan.   Kunjungan tersebut turut diiringi pegawai Astana Negeri, Pengarah Urusan Emar Group of Companies Ngu Ting Sii serta pegawai-pegawai berkaitan. Selepas selesai membeli-belah, Tun Wan Junaidi dan isteri menjamu selera makan tengah hari di CitoC2 Food Court yang baru dibuka di Emart Baru Kawa. Medan selera berkonsep moden itu menempatkan 25 gerai makanan dan minuman yang menawarkan pelbagai pilihan masakan tempatan dan antarabangsa, termasuk hidangan autentik Sarawak, masakan Asia, hidangan Barat, pencuci mulut, aneka snek serta pilihan kopi istimewa di bawah satu bumbung.