Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak’s Birthday – 12 October
The Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak’s Birthday is an official celebration in Sarawak, observed annually on October 12. This day is dedicated to honoring and commemorating the Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak, who is the head of state or Governor of Sarawak, Malaysia.
Who is the current Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak?
The current Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak is His Excellency Tun Pehin Sri Dr. Haji Wan Junaidi bin Tuanku Jaafar, who was appointed as the 8th Governor on January 26, 2024. He was born on February 1, 1946.
He joined the Royal Malaysia Police in 1964 and served in the Police Field Force from 1968 to 1973. He also served as the President of the Sarawak chapter of the Malaysian Ex-Police Association (PBPM).
He entered politics in 1990 after winning the Batang Lupar Parliamentary seat in the 8th General Election, which he retained for two more terms. In the 11th General Election in 2004, he moved to the Santubong Parliamentary seat, successfully holding it for four consecutive terms until 2022.
At the federal level, he held several positions, including:
- Deputy Minister of Home Affairs (2013-2015)
- Minister of Natural Resources and Environment (2015-2018)
- Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (2020-2021)
- Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Parliament and Law) (2021-2022)
- Deputy Speaker of the Dewan Rakyat (2008-2013)
- President of the Dewan Negara (2023)
Events and Ceremonies for the Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak’s Birthday
Here are some key aspects of the Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak’s Birthday celebration:
1. Commemoration of the State’s Highest Leader
The Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak’s Birthday is an official celebration to mark the anniversary of the state’s highest leader. However, it is not necessarily related to the actual birthday of the officeholder.
The celebration serves to appreciate the role and contributions of the Yang di-Pertua Negeri in ensuring Sarawak’s stability, unity, and development.
2. Ceremonial and Official Events
Various official events take place on this day. The main event is typically a formal ceremony held at Astana Negeri, the official residence of the Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak. The ceremony usually involves:
- An honor guard parade by the security forces.
- The awarding of medals, honors, and titles to individuals who have made significant contributions to the state.
- A speech by the Yang di-Pertua Negeri, emphasizing the importance of unity, economic progress, and the well-being of the people of Sarawak.
3. Award Presentation
One of the most important components of this celebration is the awarding of state honors and decorations to individuals who have served Sarawak in various capacities. These awards recognize contributions from people in government, business, and other fields of excellence.
4. Grandeur of Sarawak Malay Traditions
As with most official celebrations in Sarawak, the Yang di-Pertua Negeri’s Birthday features rich Sarawak Malay customs and traditions. Distinguished guests often wear traditional attire, and the event is marked by a high level of formality and protocol.
5. State Public Holiday
The Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak’s Birthday is also a public holiday throughout Sarawak. On this day, government employees and most private sector workers are given time off to honor the occasion.
6. Contributions to the People
The celebration is often accompanied by social welfare programs organized by the state government. These initiatives may include charitable visits by the Yang di-Pertua Negeri or his spouse to welfare homes, hospitals, or other institutions to offer aid and support to those in need.
Image: Padiberas Nasional Berhad
