KUCHING: The knowledge and experience Tun Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar possesses makes him well-qualified to be Sarawak's eighth Yang di-Pertua Negeri, say state leaders.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said Wan Junaidi's experience made him the most appropriate person to be the new head of state.
"His experience is important for this stage of Sarawak's nation building as we work on the Malaysia Agreement 1963 negotiations for health and education autonomy, special grants for Sarawak under Article 112D of the Federal Constitution and one-third parliamentary seats for Sabah and Sarawak," he said when contacted on Friday (Jan 26).
Sarawak Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said Wan Junaidi was highly qualified to be the Governor with his experience, capability and credibility.
She said the people in her constituency of Dalat were happy with his appointment as he had helped with a coastal retaining wall project that had been put on hold.
"This is an important project for the fishermen in the area. Now it is completed and we would like to extend an invitation to him to officially launch it," she said.
Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap, who worked with Wan Junaidi in the latter's law firm, said the new Governor was a man of few words who got things done.
"His priority has always been on the welfare of his clients when he was a lawyer and the rakyat when he was serving as a Member of Parliament.
"He has been an inspiration to me. I learnt from his ways of doing things and putting the needs and welfare of the people above personal interests," he said.
Yap also said Sarawak's rights and interests were important to Wan Junaidi.
He said Wan Junaidi was instrumental in pushing through amendments to the Federal Constitution relating to Sarawak's rights when he was the de facto law minister.
"I take this opportunity to wish him heartiest congratulations and that he will be able to bring Sarawak to greater heights with his vast experience and knowledge," he added.
