By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Oct 20: The Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Sarawak, Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, has suggested that attention be given to providing High Court buildings and facilities in every division in Sarawak to expand public access to judicial services, particularly for rural and remote communities.
According to a report from the Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas), he said that the proposal had previously been raised when he served as Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Parliament and Law), taking into account Sarawak’s vast geographical area and the challenges faced by communities who must travel long distances to access court services.
He proposed that the judiciary hold discussions with the Sarawak government to identify suitable strategic locations and land for developing court facilities.
He also emphasised the importance of providing modern, well-equipped, and conducive court infrastructure to ensure judicial proceedings could be conducted more efficiently, systematically and effectively.
This followed a courtesy call to Wan Junaidi and his wife, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi, by the Chief Judge of Sabah and Sarawak, Dato Sri Azizah Nawawi, at Astana Negeri Sarawak here today.
In addition, the safety and welfare of judges were highlighted, including the provision of separate entry and exit routes, suitable residential facilities, and appropriate official vehicles.
Wan Junaidi also expressed the view that the service scheme and retirement age for judges warranted special consideration, given their experience, expertise, and the importance of safeguarding the judiciary’s independence.
At the same time, he suggested that the Advocates Association of Sarawak expand its representation to include members from every division to ensure the interests of legal practitioners throughout the state could be represented more comprehensively.
Meanwhile, Azizah shared updates on judicial infrastructure development, including plans to establish a dedicated court for criminal cases and four courts for civil cases.
Wan Junaidi welcomed the plans, which could potentially improve case management efficiency, expedite trial proceedings and enhance the delivery of judicial services to the public.
He also expressed hope that relations and cooperation between the judiciary and the Sarawak Government would continue to strengthen, ensuring a judicial and legal system that is efficient, credible, and accessible to the people.
The courtesy call was also to present official invitation letters to Wan Junaidi and Fauziah to attend and officiate at a gala dinner to be held in conjunction with the Opening of the Legal Year Sabah and Sarawak 2026, scheduled to take place in January 2027.
The meeting also gave Azizah an opportunity to introduce the judges and members of the accompanying delegation and exchange views on developments and efforts to strengthen Sarawak’s judicial system.
On Monday (Oct 19), Wan Junaidi also received a courtesy call from the main organising committee of the Sarawak Regatta and Kuching Waterfront Festival 2026, led by Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
During the courtesy call, Abdul Karim presented official invitations to Wan Junaidi Fauziah to officiate at the Sarawak Drum Festival 2026 on Oct 31, as well as the closing ceremony of Sarawak Regatta and Kuching Waterfront Festival 2026 on Nov 1.
Among those present were the Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Datuk Snowdan Lawan and Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew.
Wan Junaidi also received a courtesy call from a delegation from the Malaysian Department of Insolvency (MdI) led by MdI deputy director-general Abu Bakar Manat, who briefed him on the Cross-Border Insolvency Act 2026 (Act 877) as an important instrument in strengthening Malaysia’s legal framework for handling insolvency cases involving assets, debts, creditors, and business operations across national borders.
Wan Junaidi shared his experience as Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Parliament and Law), particularly on proposals to introduce new insolvency legislation in Malaysia.
He also stressed the importance of keeping the legal framework relevant and supportive of a conducive business environment, in line with the aspirations of the National Entrepreneurship Policy 2019. — DayakDaily
