Chairing the special board meeting of Sarawak Sports Corporation

Recently I had chaired the special board meeting of the Sarawak Sports Corporation which was held at Hilton Hotel and among the agendas were to discuss administrative matters and the direction of the state's sports development so that it will be more strategic and inclusive.

We also had a brief appreciation ceremony for all board members who had served with us for the past 3 years from 2022 to 2025. As chairman of the board, I have expressed gratitude and appreciation to all board members for their unwavering commitment and contributions in strengthening sports development in Sarawak. The dedication and wisdom of our board members had been the cornerstone of the success of Sarawak Sports Corporation and Sarawak State Sports Council over the past three years.

Over 300 had participated in the inaugural Sarawak International Conference on Youth Mental Health

The organising of the inaugural Sarawak International Conference on Youth Mental Health 2025 by Ministry of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Sarawak (MYSED) together with Institute For Youth Research Malaysia (IYRES) is part of our government’s commitment to supporting the mental, emotional, and social well-being of the young generation. 

I have mentioned these during the closing ceremony of the conference which ended on July 29 at The Waterfront Hotel Kuching and had pointed out that mental health cannot be treated in isolation but must be approached holistically by addressing the external systems that influence youth development. I had urged all parties concerned for a cultural shift in how society addresses youth mental wellness—from silence and stigma to proactive support and inclusion. The two-day conference had attracted over 300 participants from all walks of life including students. 

This is because we are living in the digital era in which youth mental health is increasingly subjected to pressures from various factors that had forced our young people to navigate the complex world which is full of academic pressure, economic and employment uncertainty, breakdown in family structures, and sadly, limited access to support systems from relevant bodies.

It is alarming for us to know that according to recent global reports, one in five adolescents is estimated to struggle with mental health issues including in Malaysia whereby the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) in recent years had shown a worrying increase in depression, anxiety, and stress levels among youths as well as those in Sarawak.

What we need to address is the problem of many youths who suffer in silence are willing to seek help, but the help they most needed is either inaccessible, unaffordable, or stigmatised such as in rural and marginalised areas, mental health services remain difficult to get. Even in urban areas, young people often lack the convenience, the confidence, or the safe space to voice their mental health problems.

Thus, the organising of the conference is timely and essential as mental health is fundamentally a development issue. We must be committed to equipping our youths to become the next generation of leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs, and capable change makers. As such, we must begin by ensuring their mental resilience, emotional well-being and psychological safety.”

Efforts to organise similar conference is encouraged because it serves more than just a discussion platform, but also as a catalyst for change—inspiring new perspectives, fostering impactful connections, and showing our deep commitment to prioritising youth mental health in all areas of development.

Calling on our local folks in Daro, Mukah to continue supporting their popular "Pesta Daro"

I had called on our folks in Daro, Mukah to continue wooing visitors coming from other parts of Sarawak by supporting locally organised events such as the annual "Pesta Daro" which over the years had attracted thousands of people from all walks of life.

I had also commended the Daro District Office which had featured "Pesta Daro" as the iconic festival that the all support from the local communities due to its unique attraction of various programs and interesting activities.

Apart from that, the event had provided good avenue for the local business communities including small medium enterprises (SME) to showcase their variety range of products as well as household goods at affordable prices.

I was recently invited by the organising committee of "Pesta Daro 2025" to grace the closing ceremony which was held at the town centre and the event was also attended by his honourable Safiee Haji Ahmad, the state assemblyman for Daro.

According to him, the construction of the RM15 million Daro District Farmers Market project will provide new facilities and support the coastal district's rapid transformation as a major centre for agricultural and fisheries production.

The upcoming permanent market would also be a major catalyst in strengthening the local economic growth which has long depended on these two sectors.     

Welcoming participants of "ASEAN Youth Volunteers Programme" to Kuching City

We were delighted to welcome participants of this year’s “ASEAN Youth Volunteers Programme”  who were in Kuching City over the weekend as part of visits schedule to Sarawak and Sabah. It was an honour for me to be invited by the organiser, Ministry of Youth and Sports Malaysia (KBS) as guest of honour at the welcoming ceremony cum hi tea which was held at our English Teahouse Restaurant of Dataran Ibu PertiwiKu, Petra Jaya over the weekend. 

Also present was the honourable Adam Adli, the Deputy Minister of Youth & Sports Malaysia who was accompanied by Puan Azura Abidin, the Director General of Jabatan Belia & Sukan Negara. In my speech, I have urged the participants to take the opportunity to get acquainted with their counterparts from other countries in order to establish rapport and understanding among one another. Despite their brief visit to Sarawak, 

I have also called on them to interact with our local folks consisting of different ethnicities, cultures and traditions. Sarawak is blessed with various natural wonders, flora and fauna that are also tourism attractions for foreign as well as local visitors. We hope the participants will have a wonderful stay in Kuching and to bring home the sweet memories of their experience of being here. 

Maintaining Sarawak's Youth age limit to 40 despite the Federal Government's decision to lower the cap to 30 as of January 2026

Sarawak government has agreed to maintain its current youth age limit at 40 despite the Federal Government’s decision to lower the cap to 30 as of January 2026.  Our government will retain the autonomy to determine the age threshold for local youths at state level and we are not bound by what has been decided at Federal level. I have mentioned this to our media friends during the sidelines of an event in Limbang recently because for now, Sarawak’s definition of youth remains between the ages of 15 and 40.

I have also mentioned that by reducing the age limit abruptly, there would be implications because presently there are many programmes which are offered and undertaken by various local government ministries as well as agencies to support youth development.

There are many potential applicants and participants who would be affected if the age limit was lowered suddenly. Many individuals at that age may also have just completed their studies and if we were to bring the cut-off limit to below 40, they may no longer be eligible to apply for funding and assistances. Thus, that is why we are keeping the current youth age policy in place for Sarawak.

The Federal Government through Ministry of Youth and Sports Malaysia had recently announced that the implementation of the new youth age cap of 30 effective January 1 next year, under the Youth Societies and Youth Development (Amendment) Act 2019. The present national youth age limit remains at 40 until the new policy will officially be enforced.

Launching of "Serumpun Sarawak" at Le Meridien hotel in Kuala Lumpur

The recent launch of “Serumpun Sarawak” at Le Meridien hotel in Kuala Lumpur on July 10 is set to showcase our ingenious culinary heritage and unique cultural identity to the world. It gave me great pleasure to grace the launching ceremony and press conference to announce the staging of the forthcoming exciting event in Osaka, Japan on August 5 to 8 and followed by Mulu, Miri in October. In my speech, I have commended both Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) and our Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry & Performing Arts Sarawak (MTCP) for undertaking the initiative that will be curated by the international chef, James Won who is also a well known gastronomy chef with the collaboration from Alas Collective. 

On the world stage, many will be interested in “Serumpun Sarawak” to be held in Osaka, Japan and to be hosted at Seaside Caso as part of the coming World Expo 2025 there. Part of our programme there will include introduction to Sarawak’s local indigenous cuisines , food tasting and cultural performances on various ethnicities that we have back home. 

Moving forward, the event will be held in Mulu next taking place at UNESCO World Heritage-listed Mulu National Park. The event will showcase among others the blend of indigenous culinary practices, ecological awareness and cultural narratives. It will reflect the initiative’s emphasis on sustainability and local empowerment. For the record, the “Serumpun Sarawak” event is supported by local collaborators who include Earthlings Coffee Workshop, Tanoti Crafts, The Tuyang Initiative and Culinary Heritage & Arts Society Sarawak (CHASS). We hope the event in Mulu will highlight not only the indigenous ingredients while empowering our local communities and promoting Sarawak as a leading cultural and culinary destination in this part of the world. We also hope the inaugural event will soon become a good avenue for connection, resilience and transformation as it stamps another significant and economic milestones for us folks in Sarawak.

Dismissing the allegations by opposition members during the special sitting session at our Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN)

I thank our media friends who had seek my comments on the allegations of gerrymandering by certain Opposition members during the special sitting of the Dewan Undangan Negeri (Composition of Membership) Bill, 2025 which was passed during a special sitting of the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN) at the DUN Complex in Petra Jaya. The passing of the new bill will pave way for an increase in the number of state constituencies from the existing 82 to 99. I have mentioned to our media friends that such allegations are “slanderous and demeaning” to the impartiality of the Election Commission (EC).

Our State Government or this August House has no say whatsoever on where the delineation of the new 17 seats will be. The EC is the only authority empowered to do so under Article 113 of the Federal Constitution. During the debate session, the opposition members from Pending and Padungan had raised their concerns on the timing and financial implications of the seat increase, claiming it to be politically motivated. I have personally dismissed these claims, asserting that the expansion aligns with federal and state constitutional provisions and is long overdue, given that the last redelineation was conducted a decade ago in 2015.

I have also drew a comparison with a recent move by the Welsh Parliament, which had increased its constituencies from 60 to 96 which is a 60 per cent rise. In contrast, Sarawak’s proposed increase of 20 per cent is both reasonable and necessary. Sarawak is about six times the size of Wales, and our populations are comparable which is 2.9 million here versus 3.16 million in Wales. If they saw fit to increase their representation, there is no reason why Sarawak should not do the same,.

I have expressed confidence that the move would eventually facilitate an increase in parliamentary seats for Sarawak; part of the state’s long-standing demand for greater representation in the Dewan Rakyat, in line with the spirit of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63). With this increase in state seats, if Parliament were to consider increasing the number of parliamentary constituencies later, it would be easier for the EC to align the federal and state delineation processes.

Tabling the proposed Dewan Undangan Negeri (Composition of Membership) Bill

This morning I had the privilege to table the proposed Dewan Undangan Negeri (Composition of Membership) Bill, 2025 at the special sitting session held at our DUN Building, Petra Jaya in Kuching. It has been passed and it will pave the way for an increase in the number of state constituencies from the existing 82 to 99.

In tabling the new bill, I have said the expansion is vital to reflect Sarawak’s fast changing demographic landscape, rapid urban development, and increasing demand for equitable representation. In my speech, our state assembly must continue to remain dynamic and responsive to the demographic shift and development, and to the growing demand for more equitable representation. I have also mentioned in the winding up speech that this is not merely a matter of numbers. It is about ensuring that Sarawakians are well represented and well served. It is a constitutional exercise done in the spirit of justice. 

Alhamdullilah, the Bill which was well received by 80 out of the 82 members of the August House, which will repeal the Dewan Undangan Negeri (Composition of Membership) Ordinance, 2014.

Once gazetted, the new composition will take effect on a date to be determined by the Yang di-Pertua Negeri and is expected to be implemented in the next state election. The Election Commission (EC) will subsequently undertake a redelineation exercise to define the 17 new constituencies. The delineation of electoral boundaries remains the sole responsibility of the EC, an independent body appointed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong in consultation with the Conference of Rulers.

The special sitting had seen 31 elected representatives participate in the debate, with the Bill’s passage marking another chapter in Sarawak’s constitutional evolution to strengthen the people’s representation in which we are undertaking this to ensure Sarawak continues to move forward fairly, inclusively, and in accordance with the Constitution.

Condolences to the right honourable Premier of Sarawak on demise of his beloved wife

Our folks together with others from all over the nation including leaders had extended their condolences to Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg on the recent passing of his beloved wife, Puan Sri Datuk Amar Juma’ani Tun Tuanku Bujang. All our thoughts are with the family of the deceased, and may they continue to be patient and steadfast. Together we pray that the soul of Allahyarmah may be forgiven of all sins and be granted a special place by Allah’s side.

Week-long "Brunei-Sarawak Arts Exhibition" at Borneo Cultures Museum in Kuching City

I have congratulated the Sarawak Artists Society who together with their counterparts from Brunei Negara Darulsalam for having jointly organised the inaugural “Brunei-Sarawak Arts Exhibition” at Borneo Cultures Museum (BCM) on 20 to 26 June. The theme for week-long exhibition is “Neighbours In Heart, Friendship In Arts”. The exhibition also brings together the creative works of 64 artists from Sarawak and Brunei who showcase 99 wonderful paintings that reflect identity, tradition and contemporary expression. Certainly another interesting event for our local folks to attend especially canvas arts and painting lovers. 

Support for the organising of programmes designed to empower underserved youths

I had another busy weekend for me and this morning I had the pleasure to represent our right honourable Premier of Sarawak the graduation ceremony for the “ASPIRE-Threads of Hope” programme. It is a wonderful community related initiative supported by Yayasan Hasanah of Kuala Lumpur in collaboration with the Brooke Trust. The program is designed to empower underserved youth, including those from rehabilitation and institutional schools such as Sekolah Henry Gurney, Tunas Bakti School Kuching and Taman Seri Puteri Kuching (TSP Kuching), through heritage-based skills training.

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Aspire Threads of Hope" is aptly a wonderful programme that showcases creative works of participants in local embroidery products namely “Keringkam” and “Kain Songket” as the medium for connection, storytelling, and community building, possibly with a focus on empowering youths. The theme of the programme suggests giving the participants hope and aspiration, interwoven with the intrinsic value of our local embroidery crafts and textile. 

The Brooke Heritage Trust is non-governmental organisation (NGO) which is dedicated to sharing Sarawak’s unique history and rich traditional heritage. It was originally founded to safeguard the Rajah Brooke family’s collection of papers and artefacts but it has evolved into a volunteer-led charity organization with a mission to share and explore the history and heritage of the Brooke dynasty in Sarawak. It has undertaken various community-related projects that engage, inform and inspire and encourage responsible care of our world.

Promoting our local artists and boosting creative industry through "Mercure Mural Fest & Arts Conference 2025" in Miri

The organising of the inaugural “Mercure Mural Fest and Arts Conference 2025” at Mercure Hotel in Miri on June 4 to 14 was much welcomed and commendable because it will promote our tourism attraction particularly in the Northern Region. I had the pleasure to have represented our right honourable Premier of Sarawak for the official opening ceremony held at Mercure Hotel in Miri. 

During the opening ceremony, I have commended the organisers for having attracted numerous entries for the event which had the theme "Beyond Art: Evolving in 50 Years,”. The event which involve global artists, the special needs community, and local residents is showcasing large-scale murals, installations, artist takeovers, talks, workshops, and rooftop parties. The staging of event which aims to envision Miri's future through arts has provided another good platform for our local artists and arts lovers to meet up in getting the latest updates of the arts scene.  

The Sarawak government is keen and committed to supporting the funding, infrastructure, and policy development that will nurture local mural artists and the growing creative industry, aiming to leave a lasting public arts legacy on the global stage and for our future generations to come.

The organising of the event in Miri is a good way of recognising the powerful impacts of mural art in revitalising the city and promoting cultural narratives through artistic impressions that aim to transforms blank walls into lively expressions of heritage, creativity and imagination. Indirectly it is able to ignite our local folks sense of pride and belonging while attracting visitors, and boosting the creative economy, benefiting both artists and related businesses alike.