By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Nov 27: A heartfelt moment stole the spotlight at the launch of a new book honouring the late Datuk Amar Juma’ani Tun Tuanku Bujang today, when her daughter, Dayang Norjihan, was visibly moved to tears as a special video montage recounting her mother’s legacy was played.
Seated at the main VIP table beside her father, the Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, Dayang Norjihan was seen quietly wiping her tears with a tissue as the montage—featuring interviews with artisans, collaborators and close acquaintances, unfolded.
The video also included her own appearance, during which she held the cherished keringkam heirloom left by her mother, symbolising Juma’ani’s deep love for heritage and family.
The emotional tribute set the tone for the handing over ceremony of “The Revival of Sarawak Songket and Keringkam: Honouring Datuk Amar Juma’ani” book from the Sarawak Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah to Abang Johari at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) Complex here.
In his remarks, Abdul Karim described the publication as a tribute to Juma’ani’s vision, compassion and unwavering commitment to preserving and modernising traditional Malay textiles.
He said Juma’ani’s leadership since 2018 through the Sarawak Heritage Innovation Project had built a complete, sustainable ecosystem encompassing raw material sourcing, artisan training, product development, branding, intellectual property protection and market access.
“Today the effort reaches across Sarawak from Kuching and Samarahan to Gedong, Betong, Sibu, Rajang, Limbang and Lawas, touching families, youth and communities who once carried these crafts as part of daily life.
“As of 2025, 1,022 weavers and embroiderers have been trained Statewide, a remarkable testament to her leadership and to the artisans whose hands carry memory,” he said.
Abdul Karim also shared a personal story that reflected her deep love for heritage—a keringkam she had commissioned for her daughter, Dayang Norjihan, even before her birth, meant to be used on her wedding day and passed down through generations.
“Within her collection of keringkam was a piece commissioned for her daughter Dayang Norjihan while she was still unborn intended for use at marriage and to be handed down as a cherished family heirloom.
“That intention heritage as love made visible reveals how she wove legacy with deliberate care, long before others would see it,” he asserted.
He added that the book is not a mere record of history but a living testament to the artisans and communities whose hands sustain the tradition, and to the woman who reignited a cultural flame for future generations.
Going forward, Abdul Karim stressed the importance of ensuring continuity by training young artisans, safeguarding motifs and techniques, and strengthening the entire ecosystem to protect Sarawak’s textile heritage.
He said the Ministry, through the Sarawak Craft Council, Centre for Technology Excellence Sarawak (CENTEXS) and other agencies and non-governmental organisations (NGOs), remains committed to expanding the movement, which also serves as a pillar of the creative economy and cultural tourism.
The ceremony concluded with a moment of silence, a recitation of Al-Fatihah for the late Juma’ani, and a special performance of “Sulaman Kasih” by singer Bob Yusof.
Also present during the ceremony were Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and wife Dato Doreen Mayang; Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian and wife Dato Enn Ong; Sarawak Legislative Assembly Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar and wife Dato Fatimah Mohd Iskandar; Abdul Karim’s wife Datin Sri Zuraini Abdul Jabbar and special advisor to “The Revival of Sarawak Songket and Keringkam: Honouring Datuk Amar Juma’ani” book, Datu Dr Sabariah Putit. — DayakDaily
