By Doreen Ling
KUCHING, Aug 31: The Sarawak government hopes to transform the State’s economy as the true embodiment of national independence, says Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
At the State-level National Day 2025 celebration in Sarikei, streamed live by the Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS), Abang Johari said it reflects Sarawak’s freedom to chart its own destiny with confidence, identity, and the drive to move forward.
In his speech, he said that the theme of this year’s celebration, ‘Malaysia MADANI: Rakyat Disantuni’ (Malaysia MADANI: A Nation that Cares for Its People), carries a message underscoring the importance of uplifting the dignity of the people in every aspect of national development.
“In Sarawak, the GPS (Gabungan Parti Sarawak) government consistently prioritises the well-being of all, regardless of race, religion, or geographical location,” he said.
The Premier went on to say that Sarawak is the best example of unity in Malaysia, where its diversity of races and cultures has never been an obstacle but instead serves as its strength and shared identity.
“It is in this environment of mutual respect and harmony that Sarawak continues to grow rapidly and progressively.
“We believe that true strength lies in diversity. Therefore, the Sarawak government consistently emphasises inclusivity in every policy and programme to ensure that no one is left behind in the development process,” he said.
He highlighted that the Sarawak government has demonstrated this commitment through key initiatives and policies, including the Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, major infrastructure projects, enhancements to water and electricity supply, the takeover of the Bintulu Port Authority, the launch of AirBorneo, securing a majority stake in Affin Bank, advancing the digital and green economies, driving renewable energy initiatives, strengthening its position as a leading gas producer, and introducing free tertiary education.
Abang Johari also called on all Sarawakians to strengthen their commitment to building a prosperous Sarawak, where progress is shared and every citizen can benefit from development.
“Let us make this National Day a moment to deepen our patriotism and love for our homeland. Together, let us build a more progressive and united Sarawak and Malaysia,” he said.
Sarawak governor Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and his wife Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi; Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan; Minister for Women, Early Childhood, and Community Well-being Development Sarawak Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah, who is also the who is the minister in charge of the celebrations; Sarawak Legislative Assembly Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar; acting Sarawak Secretary Dato Sri Dr Muhammad Abdullah Zaidel; and Sarikei MP Dato’Sri Huang Tiong Sii, who is also the Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability and Repok assemblyman, were also present. — DayakDaily
