By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, June 23: The solemn air that blanketed Masjid Jamek Negeri Sarawak at Petra Jaya here this morning was pierced by quiet sobs, tearful embraces, and silent prayers as people from all walks of life gathered to pay their final respects to the late Puan Sri Datuk Amar Juma’ani Tun Tuanku Bujang, the beloved wife of Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
From dignitaries to everyday citizens, a steady stream of mourners began arriving as early as 9am, many with solemn expressions and heavy hearts.
Though the official tribute session was scheduled to begin at 10am, the crowd came early, united not by status or background, but by shared sorrow and gratitude for a woman who touched countless lives through her humility, strength, and compassion.
At around 10.13am, the hearse carrying the late Juma’ani’s remains arrived at the mosque, accompanied by Abang Johari and close family members.
Overcome with emotion, Abang Johari broke down in silent tears.
Inside the mosque, her body was placed in the main prayer hall, allowing members of the public to pay their final respects until noon.
Several state dignitaries were also seen weeping as they embraced Abang Johari, offering comfort during one of the most heartbreaking moments of the day.
Among those present at the mosque were Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, and Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian; Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar; Sarawak Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah; Federal Minister of Works Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi; Sarawak Minister for Food Industry, Commodity, and Regional Development Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom; Sarawak Minister for Women, Childhood, and Community Wellbeing Development Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah; and Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Law, MA63, and State-Federal Relations) Datuk Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali.
At around 12.16pm, Sarawak Head of State (TYT), Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, and his wife, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi, arrived to offer their final respects.
Juma’ani, 76, who passed away in the early hours of the morning at Normah Medical Specialist Centre (NMSC), was more than just the Premier’s wife.
As President of the Association of Wives of Ministers and Deputy Ministers of Sarawak (SABATI), she dedicated her life to charitable causes, focusing on women’s empowerment, education, youth development, and welfare initiatives.
Her legacy lies in the lives she helped uplift, from students who received scholarships, to families who found comfort in her support during times of hardship.
At around 1.09pm, the late Juma’ani’s body was escorted to the Tanah Perkuburan Islam Semariang for burial.
Even then, the crowd lingered, unwilling to say goodbye to a woman whose grace, humility, and compassion will forever be etched into Sarawak’s history. — DayakDaily
