GROUNDED IN STRONG ROOTS
AS a woman who now proudly calls the Land of the Hornbill her home, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi holds profound and heartfelt hopes for the future of this beautiful state. She envisions a Sarawak where its enduring unity continues to flourish, education advances steadily and its people live harmoniously.
“Sarawak’s unity, which stands as the best in Malaysia, must be safeguarded. It is a priceless treasure and the strongest foundation for the continued development of the state and the preservation of political stability, ensuring the well-being of the people.
“Without unity, all our plans risk becoming weak; they could crack or even collapse,” she said, emphasising that Sarawak possesses a distinctive essence unmatched by any other state.
Toh Puan Fauziah likens Sarawak’s unity to the roots of a mighty tree, deeply entrenched in the earth, binding together the diverse ethnicities, religions and cultures that coexist in harmony beneath a shared sky.
“So, let us not be swayed by external influences — protests, internal quarrels, or the descent into antisocial behaviours that could ultimately dismantle everything we have built together. If we continue to uphold this vital key, God willing, Sarawak will remain a stable, developed and high-income state for generations to come,” she said with hope and determination.
Toh Puan Fauziah shared that discussions have taken place between her, Tun Pehin Sri Dr Haji Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, and his officers regarding the establishment of a foundation that would serve as a platform to assist those in need and nurture the nation’s young talent.
However, she emphasised that establishing a foundation is far from a simple task. It demands detailed, meticulous planning and a focus on long-term sustainability.
“What is the purpose of a foundation if it collapses after just a day or two due to inadequate funding?” she asked candidly.
For her, the priority lies not in the prestige of the foundation’s name but in its ability to endure and consistently provide support.
In addition, she explained that Tun Pehin Sri Dr Haji Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar already oversees a programme called Rumah Ihsan Wan Junaidi, which focuses on building homes for the underprivileged.
“This programme has been running successfully for nearly a decade, funded by contributions from corporations and foundations based in Peninsular Malaysia.
“Its achievements have even earned recognition from the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) for financial management and implementation.
“Given this, Tun had previously shared with me and his officers the idea of establishing a foundation to manage this programme more effectively. So, we are not rushing into any decisions,” she explained.
Among all causes, one remains closest to her heart — education, particularly for children blessed with exceptional intelligence or talents.
“I often wonder where children with such exceptional abilities belong,” she reflected.
Her thoughts turned to the PERMATA Negara Programme, the brainchild of Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, wife of the former Prime Minister — an initiative that created learning spaces for gifted children with exceptionally high IQs.
“Imagine these children — some as young as nine or ten — already possessing the qualifications to pursue university-level education. But our education and higher learning institutions are not yet prepared to integrate these gifted individuals into the national system, unlike in developed countries such as England or the United States.
“As a result, they are left waiting, their incredible abilities slowly fading away, untapped and unfulfilled,” she explained.
She expressed a deep worry that without a tailored education system designed to harness their extraordinary intellectual capacities, these bright minds may never fully contribute to the nation’s growth.
“I’m deeply committed to ensuring that Sarawakian children with such talents receive the proper guidance,” she said earnestly.
“Even if their numbers are small, it is essential to provide the space, opportunities and systems required to nurture their potential,” she said.
“These children are precious gems that promise a brighter future for the state. If we neglect them, we risk losing future scientists, thinkers and leaders who could evelate Sarawak’s standing on the global stage,” she said.
Toh Puan Fauziah also believes that strengthening children’s education from an early age is essential.
For her, early education goes beyond simply enrolling children in school or nursery; it involves shaping their morals, instilling core values and laying a solid foundation.
“All of today’s social ills have deep roots. I strongly believe that education and moral development must begin from a very young age.
“As early as possible, before these children even know the outside world with all its challenges and temptations,” she shared.
She reflected on the current social issues — with statistics showing rising cases of drug abuse, rape, incest, juvenile crimes and domestic violence year after year.
And for her, each figure is not just a number but a sombre picture of society’s future if not addressed at the root.
She also emphasised that childcare centres are the first line of defence in cultivating values and good character.
“Just imagine if every office building had a nursery — parents could come to work with peace of mind, knowing their children are nearby, safe, and nurtured with good morals.
For Toh Puan Fauziah, the initiative is not just about convenience. Children in registered nurseries have a more secure future, protected from unsafe environments or questionable caretakers.
“We also want parents to come to work with a clear focus, free from the constant worry about their children being left with babysitters or in distant nurseries.
“And when parents are at ease, their work quality and productivity will naturally improve, indirectly contributing to the development of the state and country,” she added confidently.
What she expressed is not merely an idealistic vision but a crucial action that must be collectively embraced to safeguard Sarawak’s younger generation from being overwhelmed by the increasingly demanding modern world.
“I believe that if we start now, we are able to produce a generation that excels academically and possesses strong morals. These are the individuals who will build this state into something greater than we could ever imagine today,” she said.
Toh Puan Fauziah’s hopes for Sarawak mirror those of a mother who wants her children to grow up in a peaceful manner united and have opportunities to reach for the sky.
She dreams of a state not just rich in resources, but also rich in values and knowledge.
She further stressed the importance of women possessing a strong foundation in education and knowledge, enabling them to navigate the trials of life and the challenges of an ever-changing world.
“Education is a weapon, a shield that protects, and a light that illuminates the path forward. Everyone deserves education, especially women. An educated woman confidently faces the world with sharp thinking and has a strong heart.
“Don’t be quick to say no. Try first! If you fail, try again. Only when all efforts have been exhausted should you retreat — retreat not in despair, but with wisdom,” she said.
Toh Puan Fauziah elaborated that education is not merely about earning certificates or academic qualifications but, more profoundly, about cultivating a critical mind, a resilient spirit, and the ability to think with maturity. It is the key that unlocks freedom and self-confidence.
Through education, a woman is empowered to contribute meaningfully to the progress of society and the nation.
In a dynamic world that evolves constantly, discipline and education serve as the two wings that can lift an individual to remarkable heights.
Toh Puan Fauziah herself stands as a testament to the power of steadfast determination and resolute spirit, proving that with these virtues, one can achieve even the loftiest of dreams.
Her message resonates clearly: Never give up easily. Never fear challenges. Life is seldom easy, but those who hold fast to discipline and seek to empower themselves through knowledge will always find a way forward.
Every woman possesses extraordinary potential — not only to change her destiny but also to leave a lasting mark on history.
In today’s world, progress is measured not only by economic growth or technological advancements but also by the extent to which societies empower their people, especially women.
Toh Puan Fauziah firmly believes that a nation’s strength is deeply rooted in the knowledge, wisdom and active participation of its women.
However, despite the remarkable strides, women have made across various fields, significant barriers persist.
She emphasises that education, adaptability and strategic decision-making are essential tools for overcoming these challenges.
To thrive in a world still dominated by men, women must arm themselves with knowledge, sharpen their expertise and cultivate the wisdom needed to navigate and redefine these entrenched structures.
Toh Puan Fauziah believes the focus shouldn’t be on women trying to imitate her, but rather on recognising their immense untapped capabilities.
“Women make up fifty per cent of human potential,” she said.
“It’s not about idolising one person. Women need to pursue learning, skills, intelligence and wisdom actively.”
She then clarifies the difference between knowledge and wisdom.
“Knowledge is something you can obtain through university, higher education, or years of experience in a specific field.
“But wisdom is special. It’s not something you can learn from books or classrooms,” she said.
She explains that wisdom involves knowing when to speak when to be silent when to be firm and when to make concessions.
“Sometimes, even when you are right, stepping back can be the wiser choice. Compromise is sometimes necessary for long-term success — by taking one step back, we can move ten steps forward,” she said.
She also referred to a well-known Sarawakian saying, ‘berbuang berambil’, which expresses the idea of compromising in certain situations.
She believes many women have not reached leadership positions because they’re seen as too rigid.
“Being firm is crucial, but sometimes choosing the middle path is smarter,” she said. Today, more women are stepping into fields traditionally dominated by men, like civil engineering and aviation. However, advancing in these industries requires more than competence, understanding workplace dynamics and handling challenges wisely are essential.
“The world is still largely male-dominated. To rise to the top, women must be strategic, knowing when to compromise and when to push ahead,” she said.
PRESERVING SARAWAK’S CULTURAL HERITAGE
Toh Puan Fauziah is a passionate advocate for preserving and promoting Sarawak’s rich cultural heritage and traditions. Through various initiatives, she strives to ensure that these traditions are remembered and cherished by current and future generations.
One of her key focuses is the promotion of traditional Sarawakian attire, which is forgotten over time. Toh Puan Fauziah highlights the significant role of the Centre for Technical Excellence Sarawak (CENTEXS) in introducing and preserving Sarawak’s cultural heritage.
She emphasises the importance of engaging prominent figures to elevate Sarawak’s traditional products onto the global stage. While CENTEXS provides a platform for many designers to showcase their work, Toh Puan Fauziah believes that these efforts further spotlight the state’s products and crafts, ensuring they gain widespread recognition.
Efforts to boost cultural awareness in Sarawak are progressing well, with particularly enthusiastic support from the Dayak community, including the Ibans. Their dedication to promoting their heritage has garnered a positive reception locally and internationally.
Toh Puan Fauziah herself takes great pride in Sarawak Malay heritage. She frequently dons traditional attire, such as the intricately embroidered ‘keringkam’ shawl and Sarawak songket paired with the ‘baju kurung,’ during official events throughout Malaysia. She believes these garments not only showcase Sarawak’s beauty but also play a vital role in preserving its cultural identity for future generations.
She also commends the Orang Ulu community for their successful efforts in promoting their culture, which has achieved international recognition. Reflecting on the past, she notes that 20 to 30 years ago, the sape — a traditional Orang Ulu string instrument — was relatively unknown. Today, however, it is a proud symbol of Sarawak’s cultural identity.
Committed to her mission of empowering Malay cultural heritage, Toh Puan Fauziah collaborates with various organisations and encourages participation from other ethnic communities to elevate Sarawak’s cultural identity.
“I hope to ensure that I can help the Malay community strengthen its culture and heritage through cooperation with various groups. I also encourage people of other ethnicities to join me in championing our shared heritage and culture in Sarawak,” she said.
Toh Puan Fauziah’s noble efforts to promote and preserve Sarawak’s cultural heritage have also received strong support from the Sarawak Goverment, who supports the organisation of a Sarawak Cultural Festival.
“Tun himself suggested to the Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, the idea of elevating our traditional heritage, which has since been brought to the Cabinet and approved,” she said.
With the collaboration of the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, the cultural festival had been planned for implementation.
