The jungle lessons Wan Junaidi never forgot

Sarawak's former governor Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, now 80, still recalls vividly the lessons he learned during his tenure in the Jungle Squad in the early 1970s. On the fateful day of 1971, a Jungle Squad operation in Sarawak claimed the life of one of his comrades, Jabu Ajai, after a night spent in what is now Bintangor. Overwhelmed by grief, Corporal Majani nearly committed an act of vengeance against the civilians present, but Wan Junaidi intervened, preventing the tragedy.

In addition to mastering the jungle and honing his leadership skills, Wan Junaidi also learned the importance of cultural sensitivity. The Iban community, he discovered, attributed great significance to dreams and superstitions. One night, during a camp set-up, a fallen tree branch was interpreted as a warning of misfortune, prompting their decision to move camp.

This experience, coupled with the events of the 1971 operation, guided Wan Junaidi's approach to leadership. He realized that a team's strength lay not only in their weapons and tactics but in the trust and confidence they had for one another. As a result, he emphasized the need for his men to be attentive to their emotions and to respect the customs and beliefs of the Iban people.

Over half a century later, Wan Junaidi's memories of those jungle days remain sharp, serving as a constant reminder of the lessons that truly matter.