WITH almost 40 years of political experience under his belt, Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar has left an indelible mark on Malaysia through his extensive career in public service.
Notably, during his tenure as the 19th President of the Dewan Negara or Senate President in 2023, he embarked on a mission to reform the legislative branch and elevate the nation’s governance through strategic initiatives.
Among these was the implementation of a code of ethics for Members of Parliament (MPs), a cornerstone in his vision to ensure that parliamentary duties inside the august house were conducted with integrity and focus on national progress, rather than unnecessary politicking.
Wan Junaidi was also committed to realising an independent parliament, holding steadfast to the constitutional principle that the Cabinet must be accountable to parliament.
The reintroduction of the Parliamentary Services Act of 1963, aimed at enhancing parliament’s autonomy, underscored his dedication to legislative reform.
Additionally, he advocated for amending the Houses of Parliament (Privilege and Powers) Act 1952 and the regulations governing the Dewan Rakyat and Dewan Negara to strengthen parliamentary committees and transform the institution into a more effective body of governance.
These initiatives later became the focus of the late Senator Datuk Mutang Tagal, who succeeded him after his resignation as Senate President in January 2024.
During his tenure as Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Parliament and Law) from 2021 to 2022, he spearheaded significant constitutional amendments.
He was instrumental in the passage of the anti-party hopping law in 2022, a bipartisan effort to address the political instability caused by the ‘Sheraton Move’ of 2020.
This constitutional amendment, which was overwhelmingly supported in both the Dewan Rakyat and Dewan Negara, ensured that MPs who defected from their parties would lose their seats, thereby maintaining the cohesion of the coalition government formed under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
As a proud Sarawakian and a law minister, Wan Junaidi was also a vocal advocate for Sarawak’s rights, especially concerning the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
He played a pivotal role in integrating MA63 into ongoing negotiations between the federal government and the Sarawak and Sabah governments.
One of his most notable achievements was the amendment of Article 160 of the Federal Constitution, which restored some of Sarawak’s eroded rights by incorporating provisions from MA63, the Cobbold Report, and the Intergovernmental Committee (IGC) report into the Constitution.
This historic amendment enshrined Sarawak’s rights and offered stronger legal protection for the state’s autonomy.
His leadership also facilitated the implementation of policies that significantly benefited Sarawak, including reforms in education and enhanced representation of Sabah and Sarawak on the Inland Revenue Board’s board of directors.
In January 2024, Wan Junaidi became the highest-ranking figure in the Sarawak scout movement, earning the prestigious Woodbadge—the first Sarawak Scout Council member to do so. Later that year, he was conferred the title of Chief Patron of the Malaysian Scouts Association.
His leadership in the scouting movement was instrumental in placing Sarawak on the global scouting map. When he held the position of Chief Commissioner of the Sarawak Scouts, he oversaw the planning of the significant Bimp-Eaga Jamboree, further cementing Sarawak’s reputation in the scouting world.
Internationally, Wan Junaidi was an active member of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), where he represented Malaysia at various global platforms, including Moscow, Havana, Addis Ababa and Geneva.
His speeches and presentations, particularly at the IPU plenary session in the Kremlin in 2000, and the Human Rights Committee in Havana, were pivotal in shaping international perceptions of Malaysia, especially in defending the country’s position on sensitive legal matters.
Wan Junaidi’s commitment to environmental sustainability came into focus when he led Malaysia’s delegation to the 22nd session of the Conference of the Parties (COP22) to the Paris Agreement on climate change in 2016, when he was Natural Resources and Environment Minister.
Under his leadership, Malaysia ratified the Paris Agreement and showcased its efforts in combating climate change, with a particular focus on forest management and renewable energy.
His advocacy for biodiversity led to the enactment of the National Biodiversity Policy 2016-2025, guiding the country’s environmental conservation efforts.
Before his illustrious political career, Wan Junaidi served with distinction in the police force, joining in 1964. He completed his training that year and served in various capacities, including as Aide-de-Camp to the Sarawak Police Commissioner.
His bravery was evident during his service in the Police Field Force (PFF) from 1968 to 1973, where he fought against communist insurgents in the jungles of Sarawak.
His dedication to duty and his significant role in safeguarding Sarawak during turbulent times laid the foundation for his later contributions to national and state leadership.
Beyond his political endeavours, Wan Junaidi is also an accomplished author.
His literary contributions include several books such as A Policeman, Evolusi Parlimen dan Speaker Parlimen Malaysia, Falsafah Undang-Undang Ilmu Berpengakap, and Journal of BIMP-EAGA Jamboree 2000.
These works reflect his deep understanding of law, governance, and his lifelong commitment to public service.
Starting as a dedicated member of the “Sang Saka Biru” (police force) during a period of communist insurgency, Wan Junaidi’s journey through Malaysia’s public administration and political landscape has been marked by significant achievements.
Now, as the Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Sarawak, his legacy continues to influence the state and nation.
