DEWAN Negara president Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar has tendered his resignation to assume the position of the eighth Sarawak governor, as indicated in his resignation letter seen by The Malaysian Insight.

It is understood that he will get his letter of appointment soon and then take the oath of office later, succeeding Abdul Taib Mahmud, who has held the position of Sarawak governor since March 2014.

Wan Junaidi, who turns 79 on February 1, had a diverse career. Initially, a former police officer, he transitioned into law and actively engaged in politics. Serving as the 19th president of Dewan Negara and senator since June 2023, he has played a significant role in the legislative body.

His political career includes a stint as the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department overseeing parliament and law in the Barisan Nasional (BN) administration. He held this position under former prime minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob from August 2021 to November 2022, during which the government lost the 15th general elections.

He was elected as the Santubong MP from March 2004 to November 2022. Before that, he served as the Batang Lupar MP from October 1990 to March 2004. These roles were held under Sarawak’s ruling party, Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB), which is a component party of the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) and was formerly part of the BN coalitions.

He has also served as entrepreneur development and cooperative minister in the Perikatan Nasional (PN) administration under former prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin from March 2020 to August 2021 when that government collapsed.

Wan Junaidi also served as natural resources and environment minister and deputy home minister in the BN administration under former prime minister Najib Razak from May 2013 to July 2015 as well as Deputy Speaker of the Dewan Rakyat from April 2008 to April 2013. – January 19, 2024.