Governor, wife pay their last respects to the late economist Dr Madeline

KUCHING, Jan 1 2026: Governor Tun Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and wife, Toh Puan Fauziah Mohd Sanusi, this morning paid their last respects to the late renowned economist Dr Madeline Berma.

Caption: Governor Tun Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and wife paying their last respects to the late economist Dr Madeline Berma 

He said their presence was warmly welcomed by her family members at their house at Siol Kandis, Petra Jaya, where they spent time chatting with the relatives to personally convey their condolences.

“Coincidentally, her late father was also an acquaintance of mine when we both served in the Police Department,” Wan Junaidi said on his Facebook post.

The governor described the passing of Dr Madeline as a great loss not only to Sarawak, but to the entire country.

“She was an extraordinary intellectual. Her contributions in the field of development economics and advocacy for marginalised communities have greatly assisted in the formation of important policies. “Sarawak has lost a very dedicated gem,”he said, adding that “Sarawak has lost a courageous intellectual who spoke the truth without fear or favour.”

He said also described her as a figure who was vocal in offering perspectives on contemporary issues regardless of political affiliation.

He noted her particular strength was as a researcher who examined issues with great depth and rigour.

Wan Junaidi and his wife prayed that the family members will continue to persevere and be given strength in facing this difficult time.Madeline, 64, died at her residence in Bandar Baru Bangi, Selangor, at about 11.30 am on December 30 2025.

The cause of her death has not been confirmed.

She was a professor of economics at the Faculty of Economics and Management, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia.

Her most recent positions were Member of the Sarawak Economic Action Council and Fellow of the Institute for the Future of Malaysia.

She was appointed Sarawak Commissioner to the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam).

Madeline was also the director of the Tun Fatimah Hashim Women's Leadership Centre,National University of Malaysia.

She graduated with Bachelor of Economics, National University of Malaysia (1982), Master's Degree in Economics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, United States (1986) and Doctor of Philosophy, University of Hull, United Kingdom (1997).

 

Harmony, unity are our pillars of strength, premier tells Sarawakians

KUCHING, Dec 31 2025: Premier Abang Johari Openg called on all people, regardless of race and religion, to continue to preserve the harmony and unity that are the pillars of Sarawak’s strength.

Premier Abang Johari Openg: In terms of infrastructure, more than 1,000 kilometers of new and upgraded roads have been completed. 

 In his New Year’s message, he said the journey does not end in the year 2025, pointing out that the year 2026 promises more opportunities and development which Sarawakians will realise together.

“The year 2026 marks an important phase in the effort to become a developed region by 2030, with a focus on a high-impact economy and infrastructure development for the future,” he said.

“The year also brings a new light with the operation of AirBorneo, which will increase air connectivity and boost tourism, trade and mobility of the people,” the premier said.

He said Sarawak continues to record meaningful progress through the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030, saying that throughout 2025, Sarawakians witnessed clear progress in socio-economic development that brought well-being to the people.

“In terms of infrastructure, more than 1,000 kilometers of new and upgraded roads have been completed.

“The development of the Pan Borneo Highway, with the main section now fully completed, makes travel safer and faster, while opening up the potential for economic growth in urban and rural areas,” the premier said.

Abang Johari said the quality of life of the people has also been improved through the supply of clean water, electricity and increasingly widespread internet coverage.

He added digital transformation is driven by world-class data centres, the use of AI and cloud, and more efficient and user-friendly e-government systems.

He said to ensure that the people enjoy comprehensive development, human capital development is the core of the progress.

“TVET training, the provision of scholarships, and the implementation of the Sarawak Free Higher Education Scheme (FTES) starting in 2026 will ensure that more Sarawakians enjoy access to quality education without financial constraints.

“To ease the burden of the cost of living, the Sarawak government will continue to implement the Sarawak Basic Needs Contribution (SKAS) with a higher allocation of RM640 million in 2026, to ensure that household well-being is maintained,” he said.

He stressed that the state government remains committed to preserving forests, rivers and biodiversity as well as strengthening the development of clean energy to ensure that environmental sustainability is maintained for future generations.

He said the unity of the people of Sarawak remains the state’s main strength, adding that progress can be built with technology and capital, but the real strength of Sarawak is built from the hearts of its united people.

Governor, wife hope 2026 will bring peace, clarity in direction and strength of spirit in the community

KUCHING, Dec 31 2025: Sarawak Governor Tun Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and his wife, Toh Puan Fauziah Mohd Sanusi expressed their hope that the coming year will bring peace, clarity of direction and strength of spirit to the community.

Caption: Governor Tun Wan Junaidi says the year 2026 is expected to be a space for reflection 

In their New Year’s Eve message, Wan Junaidi said the new year must be used as a platform to strengthen commitment, streamline implementation and ensure that every effort is translated into results that benefit everyone.

“In this context, the spirit of togetherness, mutual respect and the bonds of friendship must continue to be preserved as the foundation for the stability, progress and well-being of Sarawak,” he said.

He also prayed that all the people would be blessed with long-lasting health, harmony in family life, success in every endeavor and a continuous atmosphere of peace and prosperity.

“The year 2026 is expected to be a space for reflection, sowing gratitude and moving forward with a stronger resolve for the future of Sarawak and future generations,” he said.