By Karen Bong and Dayangku Hidayatul
KUCHING, Nov 20: Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg today hinted at a possible bonus for civil servants this year during the Civil Service Day 2025 celebration at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK).
Acknowledging the murmurs and anticipation in the hall over a potential surprise announcement, Abang Johari told the assembled officers, “Insha Allah, I will announce in the upcoming Sarawak Budget 2026 at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly Sitting,” drawing loud applause and cheers from the civil servants.
With this year’s celebration themed “Leading with Excellence: Sarawak’s Civil Service Path Forward”, Abang Johari urged every officer to remain the backbone of Sarawak’s transformation agenda under Post-Covid Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 and the State’s 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP).
“As we enter Phase Two of PCDS 2030, our tasks become more complex. Our goals are bold, which is to achieve a GDP of RM282 billion by 2030 and elevating the standard of living for all communities. Delivering these outcomes requires continued collaboration, innovation, and dedication across every level of government and society,” he said.
The Premier stressed that it is the Sarawak Civil Service that ensures initiatives in infrastructure, digital economy, and social inclusion are translated into real benefits for the people.
Under the 13MP, he highlighted that Sarawak aims to accelerate growth in high-value sectors, leverage natural resources and skilled workforce, strengthen social inclusion, and promote environmental sustainability.
“This ensures no Sarawakian is left behind, while expanding downstream high-value industries, green investments, and inclusive opportunities across Sarawak,” Abang Johari said, reminding the civil service’s central role in building investor confidence, enhancing private-sector participation, and strengthening public-private partnerships.
Key infrastructure and utility policies, he added, will also be reviewed to align with Sarawak’s energy transition and sustainability ambitions, creating an ecosystem that balances economic growth with social well-being.
“Success of the 13MP will not be measured by expenditure but by results. Every initiative must provide tangible benefits, particularly in rural and remote areas. Development must remain people-centered, inclusive, and outcome-driven,” he said.
Looking ahead, Abang Johari said Sarawak aspires to become a regional powerhouse in energy transition, emerging technologies, biodiversity conservation, and the global hydrogen economy, while ensuring inclusive growth benefits all Sarawakians.
Achieving this vision, he noted, requires disciplined planning, strong governance, and seamless coordination, responsibilities that rest firmly with the civil service.
“Leveraging our strategic location in Borneo, abundant natural resources, renewable energy capacity, and technological expertise, we are positioning Sarawak as a global player, driving innovation, attracting investment, creating high-value jobs, and contributing to a sustainable and resilient economy,” he said.
Abang Johari also outlined a vision of a civil service that is trusted by the people, admired for its competence, and respected for its integrity.
He called for a whole-of-service transformation, where every officer becomes an agent of change, upholding professionalism, accountability, and empathy in governance.
“The success we enjoy today is the result of the dedication, discipline, and unwavering commitment of all members of the Sarawak and Federal Civil Service who have served with integrity. Yet, our responsibility does not end here. Strengthening governance and ensuring Sarawak’s sustainable growth remain a shared trust and a continuing mission,” he said.
He concluded with a call for unity and purpose: “Let us move forward with the spirit of Segulai Sejalai. United in purpose, one team, one heart, and one vision to realise Sarawak’s aspiration of becoming a prosperous, progressive, and high-income region by 2030.” — DayakDaily
