By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Aug 2: Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg today paid tribute to his late wife, Puan Sri Datuk Amar Juma’ani Tun Tuanku Bujang, recalling how her quiet wisdom continues to shape his approach to leadership and public life.
Speaking during the Sarawak Women’s Day 2025 celebration at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) Complex here, Abang Johari said his wife’s strength was not only in standing beside him, but also in how she offered counsel—firm yet discreet.
“She never corrected me publicly, but she would always share her thoughts privately,” he said.
He shared a moment that left a lasting impression: after attending an official function, he had stood up to leave once dessert was served to him, prompting other guests to do the same.
“In the car, she said to me, ‘Next time, don’t leave so quickly. Look around—left and right. We may have finished dessert, but others have just received theirs. When you left, everyone followed. They hadn’t finished their meal.’
“It was a small thing, but very meaningful,” he added, noting that her reminder taught him the importance of equity, even in protocol.
He said he has since shared the same reminder with his Cabinet colleagues.
“If you’re the Guest of Honour, look around before you leave—see whether others have finished eating or not. If you don’t, they’ll be left kempunan—that sense of unfulfilled longing,” he quipped.
Abang Johari said her gentle words often left a deep impact.
“She was quiet, but when she said something, it made you feel it deeply,” he remarked.
He also shared that yesterday marked 40 days since Juma’ani’s passing.
“I still feel it. And I pray that Allah grants her a place among the righteous and the faithful,” he said.
Abang Johari ended his remarks by thanking Sarawak women for remembering Juma’ani and wished all women a meaningful Women’s Day.
Also present were Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian; Sarawak Legislative Assembly Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar; Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah; Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts and Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah; and State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki.
— DayakDaily
