Be wary of those who attempt to diminish and belittle Sarawak's aspirations, governor warns

SIBU, Nov 8 2025: Governor Tun Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar has warned Sarawakians to always be on their guards against those who seek to diminish the  state’s efforts and to belittle its aspirations.

Tun Wan Junaidi handing over a scroll to one of the graduates at the convocation ceremony of University Technology Sarawak

He said there are attempts to continue to deny Sarawakians of their rights enshrined in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).

“Our oil and gas have long been taken under laws unrecognized by the constitutional authority of our State Assembly,” he said at the 10^th convocation ceremony of University Technology Sarawak (UTS) here.

“But we must never surrender. We must never allow our aspirations to be mocked or our progress belittled.

“Instead, we must stand firm. United, we must support every endeavor to reclaim our rightful heritage for the sustainability of our development and the harmony of Malaysia,” said the former federal law minister said.

Wan Junaidi also urged Sarawakians not be swayed by those who wish to divide them, saying that they must remain wiser, more discerning, more educated.

He said urged UTS graduates not just to seek jobs or titles, but also to seek purpose and find out why things are happening or going to happen.

He said they should understand what Sarawak, and Malaysia, are striving to achieve, saying “When you align your knowledge with the nation’s vision, you will not only succeed but you will matter.”

The governor also reminded the graduates that knowledge without integrity is dangerous, that success built on dishonesty is fragile and will collapse.

He said they should never allow corruption to stain their achievements, saying that history has shown  that great civilisations have fallen because of corruption.

“This is why the Sarawak government has established the Ombudsman Department to uproot corruption and to preserve clean  and dynamic governance.

“But the fight against corruption should not be left to the government alone, it is a duty for every citizen, especially you, the graduates. Integrity is your shield and character is your compass,” Wan Junaidi said.

 He also advised the graduates to honour the sacrifices of their parents and mentors, reminding that they should not betray the trust of their parents and mentors.

“Let your actions speak of loyalty, honour, and compassion. Remember that true success is shared. It uplifts not only yourself, but your family, your community, and your nation,” he advised.