Royal visit: Danald (right) welcoming Sultan Sharafuddin with a gift at his residence in Kuching. With them are Tengku Amir (left) and Bolly. — Photo taken from Selangor Royal Office’s Facebook page
PETALING JAYA: The Bishop of the Anglican Church in Sarawak and Brunei Darussalam, Right Reverend Datuk Danald Jute, welcomed very special guests at his official home in Kuching.
Danald and his wife Datin Julita Jack Sungul played host to Selangor Ruler Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah and Raja Muda of Selangor Tengku Amir Shah.
Also in the royal entourage was one of Yayasan Raja Muda trustees and Sultan Sharafuddin’s close friend, Datuk Richard Curtis.
Rt Revd Datuk Bolly Lapok, who is Danald’s predecessor, welcomed Sultan Sharafuddin and Tengku Amir at Danald’s home during the visit on Monday.
Danald later wrote in a social media post of the Ruler’s visit:
“Greatly humbled to receive HRH The Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Al-Haj Ibni Almarhum Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Al-Haj and the Raja Muda, Prince Tengku Amir Shah ibni Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah.”
He said during the visit, the Sultan and Raja Muda enjoyed traditional cakes prepared by his sister.
The event was also recorded in a post on the Selangor Royal Office Facebook page.
It said Sultan Sharafuddin had exchanged views on current affairs with both Danald and Bolly. It added that both clergymen have wide experience in matters pertaining to interfaith dialogues.
“His Royal Highness was also taken on a tour to view some of the main sections of the historical residence of the Sarawak Bishop, which was built in 1849,” it added.
When contacted, Bolly said Sultan Sharafudfin had showed great interest in the Bishop’s House which was the last standing heritage building in Kuching.
Bolly also said he was overwhelmed by the Sultan’s visit.
“It was a great honour for me to be the one chosen to introduce my successor (Danald) to His Royal Highness,” he added.
Bolly said he and Danald had tea with Sultan Sharafuddin, Tengku Amir and Curtis while they chatted.
Danald said it was a very warm and cordial meeting.
“Both the Sultan and the Crown Prince were most affable.
“I believe they are both genuinely concerned about building peace and harmony.
“On our part, this is what we have always been doing and intend to continue doing,” he said when contacted.
Danald also said Sultan Sharafuddin was keen to continue the conversation they had at the residence, and both he and Bolly gratefully welcomed the kind gesture.
He added that the meeting was the “most humbling experience” for him.
