By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Sept 14: The foresight of four Sarawak leaders who signed the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) in London laid the foundation for Sarawak’s future within Malaysia, said Sarawak Head of State (TYT) Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar in his Malaysia Day 2025 message.
He recalled that Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg Abang Shapiee, the father of the Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, Temenggong Tun Jugah Barieng, Tan Sri Ling Beng Siew, and Datuk Abang Mustapha Abang Moasli represented Sarawak in signing the historic agreement on July 9, 1963, alongside representatives from Britain, Malaya, Singapore, and Sabah.
“This historic event not only ended British colonial rule in Sabah, Sarawak, and Singapore, but also marked the birth of Malaysia on Sept 16, 1963,” he said.
He added that although Singapore later withdrew on Aug 9, 1965, the spirit of unity and mutual respect continues to thrive.
Wan Junaidi said Sept 16, 1963, was a meaningful and historic day for the people of Sabah and Sarawak, as it marked the unification of the Federation of Malaya, Sabah, Sarawak, and Singapore into the nation of Malaysia.
He reminded that the formation of Malaysia was the result of an agreement signed on July 9, 1963, and the proclamation by Tunku Abdul Rahman at Stadium Merdeka, which signified the end of British colonial rule.
He emphasised that Sarawak’s greatest strength lies in its diversity. With more than 70 ethnic groups of different religions and cultures, Sarawakians continue to live in harmony.
The diversity, he said, is not a weakness but a strength that makes Sarawak unique and special.
He noted that the open house tradition during celebrations such as Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Gawai Dayak, Chinese New Year, and Christmas further strengthens unity among communities.
He called on Sarawakians to defend and uphold this legacy, to nurture patriotism, to value differences, and to foster mutual respect.
Wan Junaidi also commended the leadership of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, whose vision and Cabinet, supported by an efficient civil service, have placed Sarawak on the global stage through the successful implementation of new economic sectors.
He said Sarawak is shifting from reliance on traditional commodities such as oil, gas, and palm oil towards new and diverse economic sectors including manufacturing, information technology, renewable energy such as hydro and solar, and hydrogen production.
Through the Post-Covid Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, Sarawak is driving towards becoming a developed and competitive region by 2030, with a projected Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of RM282 billion.
State revenue, he added, has grown significantly from RM5.6 billion in 2017 to RM14.2 billion in 2024, with continued growth expected this year.
At the same time, Sarawak recorded trade worth RM193.4 billion last year, making it the country’s fourth-largest exporter, with petroleum and liquefied natural gas as its main exports.
He also stressed the importance of education and skilled human capital, pointing to initiatives such as the Sarawak Skills Development Centre (SSDC), Pusat Latihan Kemahiran Negeri Sarawak (PLKNS), as well as State universities including Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus, Curtin University Malaysia, the University of Technology Sarawak, and the Centre for Technology Excellence Sarawak (CENTEXS).
He said these institutions ensure that Sarawakians are well prepared for global economic challenges.
Infrastructure development, he said, also plays a vital role in the State’s growth, citing the Pan Borneo Highway, new bridges, improved public transport, the upcoming Air Borneo airline, and the Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) system.
Internet and broadband expansion, especially in rural areas, have also helped bridge the digital divide.
On tourism, Wan Junaidi said Sarawak’s rich natural heritage such as Mulu, Niah, and Bako national parks, as well as cultural traditions, have positioned it as a popular global destination.
Conservation of forests, wildlife, and aquatic ecosystems, he said, is being strengthened to ensure that Sarawak’s natural beauty is preserved for future generations.
He called for strategic cooperation between the government and the private sector, as well as the active role of the people in upgrading their education and skills to become more productive and innovative.
Political stability and unity, he said, are equally important to ensure Sarawak continues to progress and prosper within Malaysia.
“Just as a ship needs both a wise captain and skilled crew to sail forward, leadership and collective effort are essential for Sarawak’s continued journey towards prosperity, not only in Malaysia, but also on the world stage,” Wan Junaidi said. — DayakDaily
