{
  "id": 4995774,
  "title": "Jungle memories shaped Wan Junaidi's leadership and values",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/02/jungle-memories-shaped-wan-junaidis-leadership-and-values",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-02T02:25:12.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2026/09/1523993/jungle-memories-shaped-wan-junaidis-leadership-and-values"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "KUCHING: The haunting words of a fallen Jungle Squad Constable Jabu Ajai have endured in the memory of Sarawak's Yang di-Pertua Negeri, Tun Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, for over half a century. Those were the last words uttered by the brave soldier before his untimely demise during a mission to track down communist terrorists in Tulai, Sarawak, in 1971. As the leader of the operation, Wan Junaidi regarded this event as more than a routine duty; it imparted vital lessons on responsibility, leadership, and compassion. Recalling the incident, Wan Junaidi stated that, as an Inspector at the time, he was tasked with leading his platoon to a designated location after a Jungle Squad team stationed at Tulai, Binatang (now Bintangor), was ambushed. The assault resulted in the deaths of two personnel and left six others severely injured. After being briefed about the operation, his platoon set out from Sibu at around 4pm in a Nuri helicopter and spent the night in the vicinity. Wan Junaidi instructed his men to move out at 7am the following morning, as they could not afford to spend two consecutive nights in the same area. Before initiating the mission, one of the team members, Constable Merom Bujak, volunteered to wake Jabu from his slumber using the Gurkha method of kicking until he awoke. Despite the ominous premonition Jabu had experienced, the platoon proceeded with the mission and arrived in a hilly area at around 8am. Upon arrival, they discovered an elderly man, a woman, and five children inside the house, which appeared unusual due to the abundance of tea cups. Wan Junaidi ordered one of his men to investigate the surrounding hilly terrain, which revealed a resting spot used by communist terrorists. Confirming their presence at the house, Wan Junaidi led his platoon uphill when gunfire erupted from the enemy camp. Constable Jabu and Constable Merom were killed in the ensuing exchange, with Jabu losing his life on the spot and Merom suffering serious injuries. In the aftermath, Wan Junaidi realized that Jabu's nightmare had forewarned of impending doom. He recounted how Majani, Jabu's close friend, was consumed by rage and sought to eliminate the civilians at the house. Fearful of Majani's violent intentions, Wan Junaidi swiftly intercepted him and restrained him. He then ordered Hassan to maintain control of the situation and firmly stated that even though they were aware of the enemy's parents' transgressions, they could not kill innocent civilians. Investigations later exposed that the elderly man was a prominent leader instrumental in managing the finances of communist terrorists in the region. Wan Junaidi highlighted that his experiences in the Jungle Squad honed his discipline, emotional control, and humanity, while his service in a diverse platoon taught him to respect the cultures and beliefs of his fellow soldiers. He noted that the Iban people, for instance, hold certain beliefs regarding dreams, sounds, and various other signs, which he learned to comprehend in order to better understand his men. During a particularly tense moment on the night of the operation, a tree branch fell near their intended campsite, causing a sudden silence among the men. One of his subordinates explained the Iban belief that such unexpected events often foreshadow misfortune. Recognizing the wisdom in this belief, Wan Junaidi decided to relocate the campsite by approximately 100 meters to ensure the safety and well-being of his men. His decision was met with widespread approval, as it prevented potential panic and allowed the team to rest securely. Wan Junaidi emphasized that a true leader must comprehend the emotions, beliefs, and concerns of their subordinates. In the jungle, where uncertainty prevails, the strength of a team hinges not only on their weaponry but also on the unwavering trust and confidence they place in one another.",
  "summary": "KUCHING: Nda manah mimpi... anang baka nyak.”",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "The jungle lessons Wan Junaidi never forgot",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/01/the-jungle-lessons-wan-junaidi-never-forgot",
        "published": "2026-09-01T23:00:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}