Paying tribute to former Prime Minister of Malaysia, the late Tun Abdullah Badawi

Tributes are pouring for our former Prime Minister of Malaysia, the late Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi who passed away at the National Heart Institute (IJN) in Kuala Lumpur at 7.10pm yesterday at the age of 85. I have informed our media friends that the late Tun Abdullah who was also fondly know "Pak Lah" was one of Malaysia’s least controversial and cleanest premiers.

On behalf of myself and our ministries, I have expressed our deep sadness over the passing of Pak Lah - the fifth Premier of Malaysia whom I have described as a well-respected and widely accepted leader. 

He might not have been as vocal and noisy like the others but he did his part as Prime Minister and was very well accepted by Malaysians. If we recalled that under his leadership, Barisan Nasional (BN) had secured a more than two-thirds majority in Parliament, a feat that demonstrated the public’s strong support for him at the time. 

I had further praised the government’s decision to accord Pak Lah a final resting place at the Heroes’ Mausoleum in Kuala Lumpur, calling it ‘very apt’ for a leader of his calibre. When we look at other former prime ministers, I believe this is one person (Abdullah) who is least controversial and least corrupted. The others, even though not yet found guilty, have been linked to so many bad things. We pray that his soul will be blessed and placed among the pious.

Junior tennis players from 20 countries vying for top honours in 52nd Sarawak Premier Cup International Junior toruney

This morning I had congratulated our Sarawak Lawn Tennis Association (SLTA) for having succeeded to include this year’s edition of Sarawak Premier Junior Tennis Championship in the prestigious J300 International Tennis Federation (ITF) Junior Series. We had a press conference at our office to officially announce the staging of the forthcoming event which being organised annually by SLTA in Kuching City.

The local home grown tennis event has entered its 52nd edition and this time it had attracted entries from 20 different countries. Top junior tennis players are vying for top honours in the event which starts on 20 to 27 April at SLTA Tennis Centre of Jalan Crookshank in Kuching. Among the entries in this year’s event are Australia, Canada, China, France, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Kazakhstan, Korea, New Zealand, Philippines, the Republic of South Africa, Russia, Singapore, Taipei, Thailand, Turkey, United States of America and host country, Malaysia.

Kudos to TVS and its plans to become premier Sarawak home grown television station

Congratulations to our media friends at TVS for having established themselves as the first Sarawak-based television station that was accepted by the public including those from Peninsular Malaysia. This was indeed proven during the staging of the 21st edition of Malaysia Games (SUKMAXXI) and the Para-SUKMA Games in Sarawak last year.

This matter was also mentioned by our right honourable Premier of Sarawak in his speech at the launching ceremony of “Majlis Ramah Tamah Aidil Fitri TVS 2025” held at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) this morning. A new building with its broadcast studio will house the headquarters of TV Sarawak (TVS) and is expected to be completed in 2027. 

The new facility, among other things, plays an important role in ensuring the smooth broadcasting and coverage of the 2027 SEA Games following Sarawak being chosen as the co-host. Of course, TVS will be the official broadcasting partner reporting on the events in Sarawak and broadcasting live to the participating countries later.

Junior players from 18 nations converging in Kuching City for the 2025 Asia/ Oceania Final Qualifying Round World Under-14 Junior Tennis Tourney

We welcome participants from 18 countries including who are competing in the “2025 Asia/ Oceania Final Qualifying Round World Under-14 Junior Tennis” tournament which is being held in Kuching City. 

Thank you to the Sarawak Lawn Tennis Association (SLTA) and the International Tennis Federation (ITF) for having invited me to grace the welcoming dinner for the participants at Hilton Kuching of Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman, Kuching.

The participating teams include those from Australia, China, Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, New Zealand, Nepal, Thailand, Uzbekistan and host country, Malaysia. The Under-14 girls and boys qualifying round is one of seven international events to be hosted in Sarawak for the year 2025. 

In my speech, I have commended SLTA for putting Sarawak on the world’s tennis map by continuing to run international junior tournaments in Kuching. SLTA is one of the most active sports associations in Sarawak and earlier on in March 3 to 8, they had hosted the Asia Oceania Pre Qualifying Event under the Billie Jean King Cup Junior Under-16 tournament.

The next international event on the SLTA calendar was the ITF qualifying finals for the World Boys Under-14 Junior Tennis Championship that was held back-to-back with the ITF World Girls Junior Competition that ends on April 16.

The major tennis events of the year will include the 43rd Sarawak Premier Cup ITF World Tennis Juniors J300 from April 22 to 27; and the 44th Sarawak Premier Cup ITF World Tennis Juniors J100 from Sept 2 to 7. The final international junior tennis event in Sarawak will be the 18th ATF Asian Under-14 Series from Oct 13 to 18.

Sarawak is honoured to host these tournaments where the junior players from the Asian region and the world will come together to compete before becoming professionals who eventually become world champions.

Welcoming new hotels development to compliment growing number of visitors to Sarawak

The development of new hotels to cater to the rising number of tourists is important and the strategic investments in such tourism infrastructure are vital, given that existing accommodations are struggling to cope with the increasing influx of tourists.

I have mentioned this recently and will raise this matter with our right honourable Premier of Sarawak and any applications for the construction of new hotels should be prioritised and granted approval. This is because our plans are not just for the short term—one or two years—but for the next five to ten years, as we have seen the number of tourists that keep growing, especially when major international events are taking place in Sarawak, particularly in Kuching.

Such development is important because it is also being part of the state’s preparations for Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VMY2026). For the encouraging number of tourist arrivals in Sarawak the past few months, we have recorded a total of 810,345 visitors in January and February this year.

This means each month sees no fewer than 400,000 arrivals. Though we have yet to receive the figures for March, I am optimistic that the numbers will continue to rise. By June, we expect to get closer to our five million mark.

In this regard, I have expressed our heartfelt appreciation to all parties, especially the state government and state tourism players for their unwavering support and commitment. 

For every programme that we have organised, it normally receives solid cooperation from all quarters, making it easier for us to promote our tourism industry, including medical tourism, cultural and educational tourism, as well as the Sarawak-Malaysia My Second Home (S-MM2H) programme initiatives.

Sarawak is keen to host boxing event in 2027 SEA Games

Sarawak is keen to become the hosting venue for the 2027 SEA Games boxing event and will consider the wishes of local boxing fans, given the sport’s growing popularity here. The 2027 SEA Games is be co-hosted by Kuala Lumpur, Sarawak, Penang and Johor but the final decision on the venue lies ultimately with the Malaysia Boxing Federation (MBF).

Nonetheless, we will express our intention to be the host venue for boxing ... as we have produced many high-profile boxers. I have also been informed that Penang is keen to host the boxing event. But if Sarawak is selected, we have several venues to offer, including the Stadium Perpaduan in Petra Jaya, and even Sri Aman could be an option.

I have spoken to our media friends on Sarawak’s readiness to lobby for boxing in the coming SEA Games and that it would be thrilling if the boxing event could be held in Sri Aman. 

This because during the previous 21st Malaysia Games (SUKMAXXI), our athletes had fought with great spirit and brought home many medals, not only because they were talented but also because of the overwhelming support from local fans that boosted their fighting spirit.

We must remember that strong home support can undermine the morale of opponents, and sometimes even underdogs can win because of that support. Therefore, we will do our best to ensure boxing is held in Sarawak.

Ushering 3,000 guests at the joint "Majlis Ramah Tamah Aidil Fitri 2025" at The Waterfront Hotel Kuching

Alhamdullilah. About 3,000 of our folks had attended the "Majlis Ramah Tamah Aidil Fitri 2025" which was jointly organised by the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry & Performing Arts Sarawak (MTCP) and Ministry of Youth, Sports & Entrepreneur Development Sarawak (MYSED) at The Waterfront Hotel #Kuching. 

The atmosphere was simply lively and fantastic at the event which was held on a modest scale and it was an honour for the organisers to have received the visit by local dignitaries who include the Deputy Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof. Datuk Seri Fadillah who is also Minister of Energy and Natural Resources was accompanied by his wife, Datin Seri Ruziah Mohd Tahir. 

Also present were Federal Minister of Women, Family and Community Development Datuk Seri Hajah Nancy Haji Shukri; Federal Deputy Minister of Rural and Regional Development Datuk Rubiah Haji Wang; Sarawak's Deputy Minister of Energy and Environmental Sustainability Datuk Dr Hazland Abang Hipni; Miri Mayor Datuk Adam Yii. 

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Hari Raya visit by our Head of State, His Excellency Tun Pehin Sri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar & his wife

It was an honour for our family to have received the hari raya visit by our Head of State, His Excellency Tun Pehin Sri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and his wife, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi.

The couple had arrived at our house at about 4 pm and had spent about an hour with us before proceeding to their next hari raya visit. It was delightful to have spent quality time with the Head of State who had shared interesting recollections of his younger days and during service in the state's Police force.

Witnessing the reenactment of the “Operation Semut Bario 1945” parachute mission at Padang Merdeka, Kuching

It was held on a modest scale but the reenactment of the parachute landing of Australia's “Special Z Unit” in Bario, Miri back in 1945 during World War II's “Operation Semut Bario” was still amazing. The event was held at Padang Merdeka and was graced by our right honourable Premier of Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Abang Haji Openg.

The significance of the event was recognised by the Sarawak government, with a repeat of the re-enactment being held at Padang Merdeka in Kuching City so to enable our folks especially the younger generation can witness and appreciate the sacrifices of our war time heroes. 

Those who were at Padang Merdeka since early morning were served with a thrilling parachute jump from a height of about 6,000 feet which was successfully carried out by four members of the Malaysian Air Special Forces or popularly known as "PASKAU" squad. Those involved in the jump were Air Warrant Officer Mohd Shah Rizal Md Zahid; Captain Shahrurizal Sabri, Flight Sargeant Ahmad Riduan Nordin and Corporal Muhammad Fikri Azizi Faizul.

The weather conditions were just perfect for the brave servicemen to perform their jumps as a reenactment of the one made on March 25, 1945 by the Special Air Service (SAS) commandos from Australia, New Zealand and the Great Britain also known back then as the "Special Z Unit". 

Delightful experience at the 80th commemoration ceremony of "Operation Semut 1945 Bario" in Miri

I was delighted to have attended the commemoration ceremony of “Operasi Semut 1945 Bario” which had entered its 80th edition and took place at Bario Memorial Park this morning. This famous military operation was one of the historic events in the history of Sarawak during the Second World War. 

This operation is also a symbol of courage of the Allied Forces consisting of Britain, Australia, New Zealand and local heroes who resisted the Japanese occupation. My thanks to the organizers, especially Rurum Kelabit Sarawak for having invited me to grace this year’s event. Also present at the ceremony were dignitaries in attendance included Australia’s High Commissioner to Malaysia, Danielle Heinecke; New Zealand High Commissioner to Malaysia, Mike Walsh; and British Deputy High Commissioner to Malaysia, Tom Shepherd.

Also present were representatives from Australia’s Special Operations Command, the Australian Army Research Centre, veterans of the "Z Special Unit" and their family members, as well as Sarawak veteran Lieutenant General (R) Datuk Stephen Mundaw.

I flew to Miri in the early morning with the hope of getting to the Bario Highlands much earlier than the scheduled time of arrival but the helicopter flight there from Miri International Airport was delayed for about an hour because of heavy cloud formation at the highlands. 

Later the weather conditions had improved with slight breeze but it had enabled for the seven parachutists to perform their jumps for the waiting audience. The significance of the event is also recognised by our Sarawak Government, with a repeat of the re-enactment to be held at Padang Merdeka in Kuching City on March 27.

Our tourism industry is back and thriving to new heights

My special thanks to our veteran journalist and well-known political writer, Toman Mamora who had written a wonderful article on Sarawak's tourism industry which had bounced back from the Covid-19 era and now thriving to new heights.

The news article was published in the Borneo Post, a well-known newspaper in Sarawak and Sabah. The article was titled "Yes Minister! Our tourism is bouncing back! Essentially it paid tribute to the hard work and joint efforts that were put in by our Sarawak and Malaysia Governments the past few years in getting the tourism industry back on track. 

Our visitors' arrival the past few years after Covid-19 era had increased steadily with over 4 million people having visited Sarawak with the tourism receipts had surpassed the RM10 billion mark. This year, our Right Honourable Premier of Sarawak had confidently set a target of 5 million visitors in 2025 and his confidence had stemmed from the aggressive marketing and promotion activities undertaken by Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak (MTCP) through its agency, Sarawak Tourism Board (STB). 

The ongoing campaign on "Visit Malaysia Malaysia 2026" (VMY2026) is also another feel good factor in wooing more visitors to our country while at the same time leveraging on the exposure given to our country especially overseas. 

Expecting 1,000 participants in this year's "Rainforest Youth Summit (RAYS)" on June 18 to 20

This year’s edition of “Rainforest Youth Summit” or “RAYS” is on from June 18 to 20 at HIKMAH Exchange & Exhibition Centre (HEEC) in Kuching. We are expecting 1,000 participants from throughout ASEAN countries and Malaysia. 

Presently, over 300 participants had already confirmed including youth delegates from across ASEAN. We look forward to welcoming other global environmental youth leaders, sustainability advocates, and indigenous knowledge keepers. My thanks to Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) for having invited me to grace the official announcement held at Borneo Culture Museum (BCM) recently and also by our media friends.

This youth-centric event is set to bring together ASEAN youths to drive sustainability and climate action. Themed ‘Living Landscapes: Charting a Sustainable Future’, the summit will gather young change makers, environmental leaders, and indigenous voices to collaborate on building a greener, more equitable world.

The final day of RAYS2025 is at the Sarawak Cultural Village and it will provide a transformative platform for dialogue, skill-building, and meaningful actions with over15 speakers from 12 countries will share their insights on key themes, including biodiversity preservation, rainforest wisdom, climate adaptation, youth advocacy, and sustainable development. 

Among them are young global sustainability personalities namely Zoya Miari, Prachi Shevgaonkar, Mitzi Jonelle Tan, and Larissa Crawford, who have made waves in environmental activism and social impact. They will also be joined by regional voices including Joshua Belayan, and Dr Ahmad Zafir Abdul Wahab, a leading conservation biologist dedicated to preserving Malaysia’s rich biodiversity.

Beyond inspiring conversations and keynote sessions, hands-on workshops will be held to equip young participants with practical solutions and real-world strategies to become agents of change. The summit will also culminate in a special cultural experience at the Rainforest World Music Festival 2025 , allowing participants to immerse themselves in Sarawak’s vibrant arts and cultural scene.

Through cultural showcases, we will celebrate Sarawak’s vibrant heritage, which is a reminder that culture is not just our identity but also a powerful tool for connection especially among youngsters. Thus, RAYS2025 reflects a growing commitment to youth-led environmental initiatives.

To encourage wider participation, organisers have introduced special registration tiers. ASEAN youths can register at RM300, returning alumni at RM250, group participants at RM230 per person, and international delegates outside Asean at RM500. The fees include access to workshops, plenary sessions, networking events, and a special entry to the RWMF 2025.

In this regard, are encouraging young leaders from Sarawak, Malaysia, and around the world to join this upcoming event. They can become part of RAYS2025 to add their voice, passion, and vision to the conversations that will shape our world. Together, our young folks chart a path towards a future where our landscapes, rainforests, rivers, and communities thrive in harmony.

My comments on label for Sarawak as one of the 6 poorest states in Malaysia

I have chided our Economy Minister, Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli who had listed Sarawak as one of the 6 poorest states in Malaysia including Sabah, Kelantan, Terengganu, Kedah and Perlis. I was interviewed by our local media friends on this matter after Sarawak together with other “poorest states” were warned not to expect allocations from the Federal Government alone. 

According to the learned Datuk Seri Rafizi, efforts to narrow the poverty gap is a shared responsibility that must be shouldered by the respective state governments in order to attract investment and business. He had also mentioned that the allocation to the 6 poorest states in our country which hd been maintained is much more than others. 

Of course it is not right to put Sarawak as one of the poorest states in Malaysia simply because we have billions of ringgit in our coffers and not forgetting the rich natural resources which we posses that had not been fully discovered nor tapped. I have mentioned that probably such label was based on the large number of “e-kasih” applicants which had been registered in Sarawak previously and that the relevant authorities should revisit such registration.

Nevertheless, Sarawak has a lot of rural folks who are actively involved in agriculture and its downstream activities but what they are lacking is the documentary proofs of their monthly earnings from such economic activities. I have mentioned that there are kampung folks in the Asajaya constituency who have earned up to RM10,000 monthly but they do not have “salary slips” to prove their lucrative earnings from working on their lands and farms. Some can even earned RM5,000 a month which is far more than the average full time wage earners and sadly these farmers do not have “salary slips” to prove their monthly incomes.

Over 3,000 of our folks expected to join the forthcoming "Juh Berambeh Sungkei" organised by Ministry of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Sarawak (MYSED) together with Kelab Belia Proaktif

Over 3,000 people are expected to attend the large-scale iftar (breaking of fast) event which will be held on 15 March at Padang Merdeka in Kuching. The "Juh Berambeh Sungkei" event is organised by Ministry of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Sarawak (MYSED) together with Kelab Belia Proaktif which aims to   celebrate Sarawak's unity and diversity by bringing people from various backgrounds together.

This event is not a religious event but a breaking of fast event that reflects Sarawak's spirit of inclusivity, mutual respect and understanding. I have mentioned this during the press conference and although fasting is a religious obligation for Muslims during Ramadan, we know that many of our friends who are not Muslims sometimes join in fasting. It is not wrong for us to hold a breaking of fast gathering for all. Thus, the event has the dual themes of "Iftar in Unity" and "Youth in Sustainability".

Also present during the press conference was Datuk Georgina Apphia Ngau, the director at Unit for Other Religions (Unifor). With the support of Unifor, this event will stand as a shining example of Sarawak's commitment to religious harmony and social cohesion because our folks from all faiths were welcome to attend.

The event will also feature sustainability initiatives, including solar charging stations, plastic bottle collection for recycling, and food waste collection. Although we come from different racial and religious backgrounds, we can sit down and eat together. This youth-led initiative shows that unity and harmony begin at a young age.