By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Nov 27: A pink ‘selayah’ (veil), a traditional Keringkam textile, became a symbol of love, family, and heritage today as Dayang Norjihan, daughter of Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, recounted how her late mother entrusted it to her with a special wish.
“It is a special piece that my late mother, Datuk Amar Juma’ani Tuanku Bujang, had intended for me even before my birth.
“When I was 10, my mother showed me the pink selayah and told me she had ordered it for me.
“Then, when I turned 17 in 1998, she showed it to me again and asked me to promise that, if I ever married, I would wear it on my wedding day,” she said during ‘The Revival of Sarawak Songket and Keringkam: Honouring Datuk Amar Juma’ani‘ book handover ceremony at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) Complex here today.
Years later, after her own wedding, her mother added another wish: that the pink selayah be passed on to her daughter, preserving both the family and cultural legacy.
“The point I want to say here is that this piece of textile is very special to us and could be shared internationally, as my mother (Juma’ani) had wished.
“It can become a strong part of our heritage as Sarawakians. And when it is worn, it reflects our nobility,” she added.
Dayang Norjihan described her mother as quiet and humble, preferring to stay behind the scenes, yet whose devotion shaped both family and community.
Her passion for Songket and Keringkam began in her youth, extending beyond personal collection to the preservation and promotion of Sarawak’s textile heritage.
Beyond textiles, Dayang Norjihan recalled her mother’s compassion, visiting welfare homes and guiding her to nurture children in need, particularly at the Persatuan Kebajikan Petra Jaya (PKPJ).
She also shared lighter moments, including her mother’s love for cats and visits to Kubah Ria Market, where she interacted with locals and listened to their concerns.
“She did all of this quietly, with true love, without expecting recognition,” Dayang Norjihan said.
Concluding her tribute, she thanked Sarawak Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah and book advisor Datu Dr Sabariah Putit for conceiving the idea of the coffee table book. – DayakDaily
