PEOPLE KNOW YOU AS THE WIFE OF THE HEAD OF STATE, BUT WHAT ARE SOME PASSIONS OR HOBBIES THAT DEFINE YOU PERSONALLY?

Since I was a child, sports have been at the heart of my life. I love all kinds of sports; it has always been my greatest passion. Whenever there’s a football match, my eyes are drawn to the defensive line, analysing how they control the game through discipline and strategy.

I particularly admire world-renowned footballers who play in defence, especially Kepler Laveran de Lima Ferreira, better known as Pepe, particularly during his time with Real Madrid. When I played netball, I often took the Goalkeeper (GK) or Goal Defense (GD) positions, so I learned many defensive techniques by observing Pepe’s style of play.

One of my most exciting memories was meeting him in person while on duty aboard a Malaysia Airlines Airbus A380 flight, specially chartered by Real Madrid for their International Champions Cup (ICC) tour in July 2015, flying to Shanghai, China and Melbourne, Australia.

The flight departed from Madrid, Spain and made a stop in Kuala Lumpur before continuing to Melbourne. After the ICC matches ended in Australia, Malaysia Airlines once again provided a special chartered flight to take the Real Madrid team from Melbourne to Shanghai for their next matches.

WHEN DID YOU FIRST START PLAYING TEAM SPORTS LIKE NETBALL?

In primary school, I preferred individual sports like high jump and athletics because I believed that in these sports, winning or losing depended entirely on me. In team sports, however, I tended to blame others whenever we lost — that was my attitude back then.

When I entered secondary school, I continued participating in individual events like high jump, running, shot put and a few others, as they were my favourites. So, when my teacher encouraged me to join the netball team, I struggled at first.

As netball requires teamwork among seven players, and whenever we lost, I would always blame others.

Over time, I learned that teamwork mattered more than winning or losing. I discovered the importance of chemistry, trust and mutual support within a team.

In team sports, you cannot think only of yourself; instead, you must consider how every role complements the others. That was the most valuable lesson for me.

As for badminton, I initially played singles in primary school because I liked the control I had in the game.

Eventually, I started playing doubles and learned to understand my partner’s rhythm, adjust my play and develop strategies together.

HOW DID THOSE EXPERIENCES SHAPE YOUR GROWTH AND SUCCESS IN SPORTS?

My dedication and passion for netball eventually led me to compete at the state level.

From there, I continued to progress, ultimately earning the opportunity to represent Malaysia Airlines in corporate sports tournaments.

I am proud that I had the chance to play and was recognised as Malaysia Airlines’ Best Netball Defender and Best Athlete.

This journey took me another step forward when I was elected chairperson of the Malaysia Airlines Netball Club.

In this role, I was not merely a player but also a leader, tasked with guiding the team and fostering a strong sporting culture among the airline’s staff.

In other sports, I competed in running events up to the district level and represented the state in the high jump.

In badminton, I participated in both district and state tournaments, proudly representing my school and state in various tournaments.

To me, sports have never been just a hobby. They mirror life itself — full of challenges, failures, comebacks and triumphs. They teach resilience, discipline and the spirit to persevere.

APART FROM SPORTS, WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR OTHER HOBBIES OR INTERESTS — FOR EXAMPLE, COOKING?

I started cooking at the age of 10. I often cooked for my siblings when our mother was at work. My favourite dish is ‘masak lemak darat’, whether with prawns, crabs, or fish. My siblings love my ‘sambal udang’ and ‘masak lemak darat’. I also enjoy cooking these dishes because they’re some of my personal favourites.

WHAT ARE SOME LESSER-KNOWN SIDES OF YOUR PERSONALITY THAT THE PUBLIC MIGHT NOT BE AWARE OF?

About a side of me that people might not know, I’d say that I’m a loving person, but at the same time, I am also firm. I see this same loving nature in Tun Pehin Sri Dr Haji Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar as well. I’ve often witnessed his generosity, especially when people reach out for financial help through messages or social media.

Whenever this happens, Tun entrusts me to manage everything as he isn’t familiar with handling digital banking. He’ll ask me to make the transfers on his behalf. I understand his intentions and never feel burdened, even though sometimes the donations are quite substantial and come entirely from his salary.

There was one instance when, in a single day, the total amount I transferred nearly reached RM11,000 because there were so many recipients. Each individual received between RM500 and RM1,000. During Ramadan, especially, his generosity knows no bounds.

What I admire most about Tun is his awareness and empathy. Sometimes, even individuals who appear mentally unwell catch his attention. He never looks down on them or turns them away because, in his eyes, they, too, deserve financial support to survive. This quality makes me respect him even more.

Because I share his values, I’ve never felt troubled by it. Instead, I fully support every action Tun takes. There were times when Tun wasn’t around and I stepped in to help those in need. I believe that within the blessings we’ve been given, there is always a portion meant to be shared with others.

At the same time, I hold strong principles, especially in raising our children. Tun and I constantly remind our children never to be arrogant or boastful, regardless of status or position. Titles are temporary — what endures is one’s character. When I observe society, especially on social media, I notice that many wives feel upset when their husbands are overly generous. It’s a common reaction. But I’m not like that. I feel happy and proud to be married to a man as kindhearted and generous as Tun.

Tun once said that what attracted him to me and made him fall in love wasn’t my looks or physical appearance — it was my kindness, compassion and respect for my elders. That’s what made him choose me as his life partner.

I think it’s our shared values and principles that brought us together so closely. Although we’ve only been married for nearly three years, we share the same core beliefs. To me, that’s the most precious aspect of our relationship.

WHAT ARE THE FIVE THINGS YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT SARAWAK?

Sarawak will always hold a special place in my heart. It’s not just a land of breathtaking natural beauty; its multicultural society is also a shining example of harmony in diversity.

With each experience I have here, my affection for the Land of the Hornbill grows even stronger. What I admire most about Sarawak is the remarkable unity and harmony among its diverse races and ethnic groups.

Here, the Malays, Ibans, Bidayuhs, Orang Ulu, Chinese, and many others not only coexist peacefully but also respect and celebrate one another’s cultures. During festive seasons like Gawai, Hari Raya, Chinese New Year and Christmas, the atmosphere is vibrant and full of joy.

People from all walks of life visit each other and celebrate together, regardless of religion or race. This sense of togetherness is rare and truly unique to Sarawak. Even outside of festive seasons, this unity is evident in daily life. The spirit of community and mutual support among Sarawakians makes Sarawak a shining example of genuine social harmony in Malaysia.

Sarawak is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and uniqueness. Each ethnic group here has its customs, traditional attire, music, dances and architecture, yet they harmoniously complement one another.

The beauty of the Iban and Orang Ulu longhouses, the uniqueness of the Ngajat dance, the melodious sounds of Sape music and the intricate craftsmanship of handicrafts like Pua Kumbu, all showcase a cultural legacy that remains well-preserved to this day.