Assemblyman: Inclusive, practical development remains focus for Year 2026

SIBU (Dec 30): Inclusive and practical development should still be the focus for the year ahead, said Bawang Assan assemblyman Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh.

In his New Year 2026 message, the elected representative listed better road connectivity, stronger support for farmers and small traders, improved public amenities, and greater opportunities for the young people as key points under this focus.

“The new year is not merely the changing of a calendar.

“It is a renewed commitment to hope, unity and purposeful progress – in this regard, for Bawang Assan and Sibu as a whole.

“Development must be meaningful and felt on the ground, improving daily life and strengthening the resilience of our communities,” he said in extending his new year’s greetings and warm wishes to all Bawang Assan constituents – from the longhouses and villages to the town areas, as well as the people of Sarawak as a whole.

Adding on, Wong noted that Sarawak was ‘moving forward with confidence’ under the visionary leadership of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

“His leadership has transformed long-standing aspirations into bold and concrete policies that place the Sarawakian people at the very centre of development.”

Wong cited the free tertiary education for Sarawakian studying in state-owned universities as the ‘most significant milestone – a historic move reflecting the deep belief that education was never a privilege for the few, but the right and an investment in the state’s collective future’.

“This policy ensures that no capable child is left behind simply because of family income, and that it would empower our youths to become the skilled professionals, innovators, and leaders that Sarawak needs.”

Beyond education, Wong said the Premier’s vision extended to economic autonomy, energy security, infrastructure expansion, digital transformation, healthcare improvement, and the sustainable management of Sarawak’s natural resources.

“His steady and principled leadership has strengthened Sarawak’s position, safeguarded our rights, and laid a firm foundation for long-term prosperity that balances growth with sustainability.

“As we step into the New Year, let us move forward together – guided by wisdom, strengthened by unity, and inspired by a shared determination to build a prosperous, inclusive, and forward-looking Sarawak,” Wong pointed out.