By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Nov 14: Sarawak’s unity is akin to fusion energy, which is powerful, stable and capable of propelling the State far beyond being merely a national champion to becoming a true “jaguh ASEAN”, declared Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Abang Johari said Sarawak’s success today stems from a long-held culture of fusing its diverse communities into a single, resilient mould of governance and identity.
He likened this unity to the scientific concept of fusion energy, which is the merging of different elements into a powerful source of energy that surpasses even nuclear technology.
“In Sarawak, irrespective of our background, social status, religions or faiths, we have long practiced this fusion.
“We fused together to protect Sarawak and her people. That is why we can govern based on our own mould. We have no problems because we are already fused in the cake in the same mould. Touch one, you touch all and that is our position,” he said when addressing the Sarawak Dayak National Union (SDNU) 37th Triennial General Assembly (TGA) welcoming dinner at a hotel here tonight, which was broadcast live via Ukas Channel.
With this cohesive foundation, he said Sarawak continues to move forward confidently, but must now equip itself with new inputs and capacities suited for modern challenges.
“At this junction, the spirit of a warrior must still be upheld but with a different approach.
“Today, we no longer use weapons. The weapon is the semiconductor. Wars are fought not by humans but with drones controlled remotely. Even ChatGPT and Google operate using semiconductors. But in the end, you still need the brain. Technology only simplifies and expedites the process, it does not replace critical thinking,” he pointed out.
Abang Johari stressed that regardless of ethnicity, Malay, Chinese, Dayak, Melanau, Bidayuh or Orang Ulu, Sarawakians must embrace critical and innovative thinking to leap forward, including in areas like modern agriculture, raising paddy yields, and improving farmers’ income.
He said the Sarawak government’s bold decision to provide free tertiary education beginning next year is aimed at ensuring every Sarawakian child, regardless of family income, can access knowledge needed to escape poverty and participate fully in the modern economy.
“We are fortunate Sarawak’s economy is strong. That is because of our unity and we do not fight each other. We focus on developing Sarawak,” he said.
He noted that unity has enabled Sarawak to reclaim strategic rights and assets, including Bintulu Port, the Bakun Dam, and full control of the State’s energy sector.
Sarawak’s financial strength and energy capacity have also led the federal government to invite Sarawak to participate directly in the ASEAN power grid.
“Our target is 10GW by 2030. This will not only to sustain our own needs but create export opportunities.
“I am very confident Sarawak will become a major world player in the new economy. We must have high ambition. We don’t want to be jaguh Malaysia only, but jaguh ASEAN. And we can do this because Sarawak is stable and the people are behind me,” he said.
Abang Johari added that within Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), responsibilities are shared and trust is strong, enabling leaders to focus on advancing the State rather than engaging in political strife.
“We use our time to move our people forward, but we must think outside the box,” he reminded.
He expressed hope that SDNU would also “leap forward like a satellite” and continue contributing to Sarawak’s development and the wellbeing of Dayak communities.
“I look forward to SDNU’s wishlist. If we can spend money somewhere else, why not SDNU as after all, it is for the benefit of everybody.
“We are like fusion energy, moving together for a stronger, more prosperous Sarawak,” he concluded.
SDNU president Tan Sri William Mawan Ikom and deputy president Ir Christopher Gira Sambang were present. — DayakDaily
