2026 marks turning point for Sarawak’s development agenda

KUCHING (Jan 14): Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has laid strong economic and institutional foundations for Sarawak, with 2026 seen as a pivotal year marking the shift from long-term planning to concrete implementation and measurable outcomes.

Both the Sarawak Business Federation (SBF) and the Sarawak Federation of Chinese Associations (SFCA) echoed this view, reflecting on Abang Johari’s nine-year tenure as Premier and his statement that 2026 will be a critical turning point for the state.

SBF secretary-general Dato Chai Voon Tok said Abang Johari’s tenure has been characterised by strategic consolidation and long-term planning.

“Since taking office in 2017, his administration has emphasised strengthening Sarawak’s fiscal position, building institutional capacity, and addressing long-standing infrastructure gaps, particularly in rural areas,” he said.

“These efforts have enhanced connectivity, improved basic services, and placed the state on a more financially resilient footing.”

Chai added that under Abang Johari, Sarawak has pursued a forward-looking development agenda, including economic diversification beyond traditional sectors, greater focus on green energy and sustainability, and initiatives to strengthen human capital.

Policies such as the expansion of state-owned institutions, the Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, and the announcement of free higher education for Sarawakians from 2026 reflect an effort to align economic growth with social development and long-term competitiveness.

“In this context, the Premier’s remarks that 2026 marks a critical turning point are timely and significant,” Chai said.

“After years of policy formulation, institutional building, and financial preparation, the next phase must focus squarely on implementation and delivery.

“From 2026 onwards, the public will rightly expect tangible outcomes in job creation, income growth, education opportunities, and quality of life.

“The success of Sarawak’s next stage will be measured by the execution of policies and equitable distribution of benefits.”

SFCA president Dato Sri Richard Wee Liang Chiat added that while 2030 will mark the year all initiatives are reviewed, 2026 will be the year most pillars and programmes undergo thorough assessment.

Delivering his 2026 keynote address at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here on Tuesday to mark his ninth year in office, Abang Johari said Sarawak has entered the second, most demanding phase of its PCDS 2030 agenda.

Anchored by the Sarawak 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), this phase marks a decisive shift from preparation to performance.

“The second phase is not a change in direction but a sharper focus on execution, delivery and measurable outcomes,” the Premier said.

“While the earlier phase concentrated on restoring fiscal strength, strengthening institutions and establishing policy frameworks, the current phase aims to translate readiness into tangible, people-centred results.”