Paying tribute to our right honourable Premier of Sarawak

Together with the rest of fellow Sarawakians, today we jointly wish a happy eighth year anniversary in office to our right honourable Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Bin Tun Abang Haji Openg. In just a short span of eight years, we are seeing positive changes to Sarawak and all Sarawakians are so proud to be part of this beloved State. We pray that Abang Johari will always be blessed with good health to lead Sarawak for many more years.

Our esteemed Premier had also created numerous ‘firsts’ for Sarawak. We are the first and only state in Malaysia to create a Sovereign Fund. Sarawak is also the only state to provide free education up to the university level to its citizens starting in 2026. Through his negotiation skills, our Premier had managed to secure state-owned PETROS to be Sarawak’s sole aggregator for gas distribution. With the bulk of Malaysia’s gas deposit being in Sarawak, we can only see the government linked company (GLC) flying in the next few years.

At the same time, Abang Johari has also focused on other areas such as banking through the acquisition of Affin Bank, with Sarawak becoming the largest equity holder. Moreover, under his leadership, Sarawak reclaimed Bintulu Port, which is also seen as the richest port in Malaysia. Our Premier does not stop at generating revenue for Sarawak, but also takes responsibility for developing the state and raising the living standards of its people. To fast-track development, our Premier had introduced development agencies in 12 strategic areas of Sarawak, involving local leaders and elected representatives in planning and implementation.

Agencies such as the Integrated Regional Samarahan Development Agency, Upper Rajang Development Agency, Sri Aman Development Agency, and Betong Division Development Agency have significantly accelerated development, with Sarawakians witnessing unprecedented progress. To further facilitate physical development, Abang Johari had introduced the Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART), which will change the public transportation landscape in Sarawak in the next few years. 

Additionally, the coastal highway development project was expedited as a second highway to complement the Pan Borneo Highway, with over 10 bridges approved and constructed, which when completed, will enhance the life and livelihood of those staying along the Coastal Highway. In agriculture sector, in recognising the risks of global food scarcity and leveraging Sarawak’s vast land, our Premier had introduced high yield paddy varieties capable of producing up to five planting cycles in two years, as compared to the traditional single annual harvest.  On the global stage, Abang Johari has significantly raised Sarawak’s profile. Under his esteemed leadership, Sarawak’s revenue and budget reached record levels, with the 2025 State Budget of RM15.8 billion being the largest in history.