by DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, June 22: Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg is confident that the State can play a key role in powering the Asean Power Grid initiative.
This is particularly given its strategic location between Sabah and Kalimantan, where Indonesia’s new capital will be located, as well as the State’s strength in hydro power and push in green energy.
Speaking at the 2025 State-Level Gawai Dayak Dinner here tonight, Abang Johari shared that delegates at the recent 43rd ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting on Energy (SOME) had expressed strong confidence in Sarawak’s capacity to support the regional power grid project.
“With the support from the Asian Development Bank, this project (the Asean Power Grid) could become a reality, Sarawak will play its role,” Abang Johari said in his speech during the 2025 Sarawak-Level Gawai Dayak Dinner tonight, which was also attended by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
“I had a brief discussion with the Prime Minister and I hope that the strategies that we adopt will realise the vision of having the Asean Power Grid, which will boost the economic development of the Asean region, particularly for Malaysia,” he added.
Abang Johari also took the opportunity to thank the Prime Minister for attending the State-level Gawai celebration in Kuching, calling it a meaningful gesture that reflects the strong ties between the Sarawak and Federal governments.
He also commended the Federal administration for elevating Malaysia’s standing as Asean chair, noting that the country has received recognition from its regional partners for both its development progress and national unity.
“This is the foundation upon which we will continue to build and elevate our country’s status,” he added.
The event was graced by Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and wife Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi.
Also present during the event were Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Patinggi Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Dewan Negara president Senator Dato Awang Bemee Awang Ali Basah, Menteri Besar Selangor Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari, Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department and organising chairman Datuk Gerawat Gala, and other distinguished guests. – DayakDaily
