State leaders gather for TYT’s 80th birthday banquet

KUCHING: A state banquet celebrating the 80th official birthday of Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar was held at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Complex on Saturday (Oct 10).

The banquet was attended by Wan Junaidi’s wife, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi, alongside Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and his daughter, Dayang Norjihan.

From left: Julaihi, Abang Johari, Wan Junaidi, Fauziah and Dayang Norjihan pose for a commemorative photo. Photo: UKAS

The event began with an opening performance by the Sarawak Arts Council (MSS), followed by a prayer led by Sarawak Grand Imam Datuk Mustapha Kamal Ahmad Fauzi.

Among the highlights was a special video presentation titled “Empat Dasawarsa Memahat Bakti”, followed by a cake-cutting ceremony to mark Wan Junaidi’s birthday.

Guests were also treated to another special video presentation, “Kembara D’Astana”, alongside entertainment by local singers Karen Libau, Chien Ng, Firdaus Materang and Mal Imran, as well as special appearances by popular artistes Daus Eli and Haziq Rosebi.

Also present were Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Amar Fadillah Yusof; Dewan Negara president Senator Datuk Seri Awang Bemee Awang Ali Basah; Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan and Datuk Amar Prof Dr Sim Kui Hian; and DUN Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nasar.

Others in attendance included Utility and Telecommunication Minister and minister in charge of the 80th birthday celebration Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi, Sarawak cabinet ministers;  State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, deputy ministers and other dignitaries.

According to UKAS, the state banquet was one of the main events organised in conjunction with the 2026 celebration of Wan Junaidi’s 80th official birthday.

Wan Junaidi and Fauziah take part in the cake-cutting ceremony. Photo: UKAS

From left: Fadillah, Abang Johari, Wan Junaidi, Fauziah, Dayang Norjihan and distinguished guests enjoy the fireworks display. Photo: UKAS

On the same night, Sarawakians were also entertained at the Konsert Rakyat held in conjunction with the celebration.

The concert featured local artistes Raquel Then, Yadee, Dayana Shini, Ramles Walter, Carry Geres and Harry Parren, accompanied by Band Agura, alongside special appearances by Floor 88, Aina Abdul and Datuk Amy Search.

A fireworks display brought the evening’s festivities to a spectacular close.