Tun Wan Junaidi: Good Governance Requires Mastery Of Law And History

SIBU, Aug 30 (Bernama) -- The Yang di-Pertua Negeri (TYT) of Sarawak, Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, today stressed that effective governance depends on a clear understanding of constitutional law and the historical context behind every policy and statute.

Delivering a Statesman’s Lecture titled ‘Understanding Governance through the Lens of Law and History’ at the University of Technology Sarawak (UTS) here, he contrasted the United Kingdom’s doctrine of parliamentary supremacy with Malaysia’s constitutional supremacy, highlighting that federal and state powers are clearly defined and limited by the Federal Constitution.

He said Articles 74 to 77 delineate the Federal, State and Concurrent Lists, while Article 77 places residual matters under the States.

“Over the years, questions have arisen about legislative competence whenever laws appear to stray beyond the lists,” he said, adding that such issues should be examined carefully against the Constitution and the history of the provisions involved.

Touching on Sarawak’s constitutional architecture, he said that executive authority is vested in the Yang di-Pertua Negeri or Governor, who must act on the advice of the State Cabinet.

“The Cabinet is the manager of the State. Powers flow from the Constitution to the TYT, and in practice are exercised on Cabinet advice,” he said.

On the appointment and tenure of the Premier, he said the Governor appoints a member who commands majority confidence in the Dewan Undangan Negeri (DUN) or State Legislative Assembly, and that any change of leadership should be determined on the floor of the House.

He also outlined Sarawak’s legislative process, reminding that State laws passed by the State Assembly require the Governor’s assent.

Unlike the federal position after 1994, Sarawak did not mirror the automatic-enactment provision, and the Head of State may seek further information before assenting, he said.

Arguing that history illuminates intent, Tun Wan Junaidi urged policymakers and administrators to revisit the original objectives of laws and programmes rather than merely perpetuating accumulated practices.

He cited national development instruments and housing policies as examples where fidelity to founding objectives matters for equitable outcomes.

On the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), he recounted the historical trajectory from the Inter-Governmental Committee to constitutional amendments, saying recent recognition steps have strengthened the framework for state-federal engagement.

“Reading the instruments and understanding why provisions exist is essential if we are to realise their original aspirations,” he said.

Sharing personal reflections from his time helming the law portfolio, Tun Wan Junaidi said reforms are most durable when grounded in clear mandates and institutional checks and balances.

He urged current and future leaders to treat public office as stewardship.

“Governance is not just about power, it is about dream, intention and purpose encoded in law. Read it. Understand it. Deliver it,” he said.

Also held at the event was the launching of Wan Junaidi’s latest works, ‘Teriso’s Little Star’ and ‘Silence’, books that reflect different facets of his personal journey.

The ‘Teriso’s Little Star’ is inspired by his childhood experiences growing up in Kampung Pendam and Teriso, while ‘Silence’ is an anthology of poems written in collaboration with Diana Ningkan and Yusuf Mustanir, where many of the poems in the collection are drawn from his life experiences and reflections.

Earlier on, Dr Fetelyana Nor Pazilah moderated a talk on both books, which were published by UTS Centre for Publication, with panellists comprising Rajah Murugaiah, Nadira Abdul Rahman, Prof Dr Mohd Zainal Munshid Harun and IDr. Annie Jaid Parker.

Among those present were Tun Wan Junaidi’s wife, Toh Puan Fauziah Mohd Sanusi; State Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development, Datuk Seri Roland Sagah Wee Inn; State Minister for Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development, Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah; State Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee, who is also chairman of UTS Board of Directors, and UTS vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Kharuddin Ab. Hamid.

-- BERNAMA