Abang Johari: Sarawak’s progress should benefit all of Malaysia

Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg delivers his speech at the national-level Malaysia Day 2026 celebration at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching last night. — Bernama pic

First Published: Thursday, 17 Sep 2026 9:41 AM MYT

KUCHING, Sept 17 — The Sarawak state government has clear plans to ensure that the state continues to advance and prosper within a progressive and stable Malaysia, with the state’s economic development also serving as a catalyst for the country’s strength.

Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the plans included efforts to strengthen the economic, energy, industrial and technology sectors, as well as expand regional development.

“This is to ensure that Sarawak continues to play an important role in the country’s economic growth.

“The Sarawak Government also wants the progress achieved by the state to benefit not only the people of Sarawak, but also contribute to Malaysia’s development and prosperity as a whole,” he said in his speech at the national-level Malaysia Day 2026 celebration at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching here.

He said the Sarawak Government also welcomed the Federal Government’s commitment to empower the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), including the agreement to ensure that Sarawak and Sabah’s parliamentary representation is no less than one-third, determine the revenue-sharing formula with Sarawak, and strengthen cooperation in the tourism sector.

“These steps will pave the way for stronger collaboration and cooperation between the Federal Government and the Sarawak Government.

“I sincerely hope that such commitments will lead to a broader understanding that recognising the rights and special privileges of Sabah and Sarawak is part of the national agenda,” he said. — Bernama

KUCHING, Sept 17 — The Sarawak state government has clear plans to ensure that the state continues to advance and prosper within a progressive and stable Malaysia, with the state’s economic development also serving as a catalyst for the country’s strength.

Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the plans included efforts to strengthen the economic, energy, industrial and technology sectors, as well as expand regional development.

“This is to ensure that Sarawak continues to play an important role in the country’s economic growth.

“The Sarawak Government also wants the progress achieved by the state to benefit not only the people of Sarawak, but also contribute to Malaysia’s development and prosperity as a whole,” he said in his speech at the national-level Malaysia Day 2026 celebration at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching here.

He said the Sarawak Government also welcomed the Federal Government’s commitment to empower the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), including the agreement to ensure that Sarawak and Sabah’s parliamentary representation is no less than one-third, determine the revenue-sharing formula with Sarawak, and strengthen cooperation in the tourism sector.

“These steps will pave the way for stronger collaboration and cooperation between the Federal Government and the Sarawak Government.

“I sincerely hope that such commitments will lead to a broader understanding that recognising the rights and special privileges of Sabah and Sarawak is part of the national agenda,” he said. — Bernama