Premier: 2026 a turning point as Sarawak moves from plans to performance

KUCHING (Jan 13): The year 2026 marks a critical turning point for Sarawak as the state enters a decisive phase where development credibility will be measured not by plans or promises, but by tangible results delivered on the ground, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

He said Sarawak has over the past years already put in place the necessary strategies, institutions and financing mechanisms required for long-term development, and that the focus this year must now shift firmly from preparation to performance.

“Implementation-ready projects must move decisively. Bottlenecks arising from overlapping processes, excessive risk aversion or unclear authority must be resolved quickly.

“Accountability for outcomes must be explicit. Every major initiative under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) must have a clearly identified owner responsible for delivery,” he said in his special address at the ‘Amanat Perdana’ ceremony held at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here.

Abang Johari stressed that coordination must move beyond discussion, with data, digital tools and real-time monitoring used to accelerate decision-making and execution.

“Inter-agency platforms must result in clear timelines and tangible outcomes, with issues escalating promptly when progress slows.

“Accountability begins with leadership. At every level, performance in this phase will be measured by what is delivered on the ground, not by plans announced or intentions expressed,” he said.

On governance, the Premier said policies approved but not implemented, allocations made but not felt, and plans announced but not delivered would no longer be acceptable as Sarawak enters a more demanding phase of development.

“This places a clear responsibility on the Sarawak Civil Service. The role of the civil service today is defined not by compliance alone but by outcomes delivered.

“Every policy must have clear ownership, and every programme must deliver results, because delays have real consequences for people today and for future generations. Procedures should help get things done, not slow them down,” he said.

To strengthen long-term administrative capacity, he said the state is investing in the development of a Leadership Institute for the Sarawak Civil Service, aimed at enhancing leadership, governance competence and execution capability.

While acknowledging that progress has been made, Abang Johari said challenges such as regional disparities, service delivery gaps and uneven outcomes require sustained attention, discipline and follow-through.

He stressed that responsibility for delivery does not rest solely with the civil service but requires a whole-of-Sarawak commitment involving government-linked companies, the private sector, civil society organisations, community institutions and the people.

“The direction has been set. Resources have been provided and our institutions have been strengthened.

“What is now required is disciplined, consistent and courageous implementation,” he said.

Guided by the Sarawak 13MP and the spirit of ‘Segulai Sejalai’ (together in unity), Abang Johari called on all stakeholders to ensure that development efforts undertaken today deliver meaningful benefits to the people and leave a lasting impact for future generations.

The ‘Amanat Perdana’ was held in conjunction with Abang Johari’s ninth year as Premier of Sarawak.

Among those present were Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, and Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, State Legislative Assembly Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nasar, and State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki.