Premier agree with PDP chief: Trust key to GPS strength, warns against ‘cakap lain, belakang lain’

Abang Johari (fifth left) together with GPS component parties' leaders wave the flag at GPS Convention 2026 at BCCK on April 19, 2026. Photo credit: Ukas

By Karen Bong

KUCHING, April 19: Sarawak Premier and Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) chairman Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said he fully agrees with Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) president Dato Sri Tiong King Sing on the critical importance of trust in politics, stressing that the coalition must never be tainted by distrust where leaders “cakap lain, belakang lain”.

Speaking when officiating the GPS Convention 2026 at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) today, he said trust is the foundation of political stability, which has enabled Sarawak to remain strong and consistent in its development agenda under GPS leadership.

“GPS has provided that stability for the past seven to eight years, and to achieve our 2030 vision, this stability is essential.

“In GPS, we have four components, and as long as I am a leader, I am sincere in governing Sarawak under GPS. We are very lucky. Even prayers to God are offered in three languages. God also recognises that GPS is fair and just. We have Iban, Chinese, and Malay prayers,” he said.

He emphasised that Sarawak must remain steady despite political turbulence elsewhere.

“Other states may be unstable, but Sarawak must not be shaken. Let them be unstable, but Sarawak must ‘intu’ (take care) of Sarawak,” he said, recalling the late Chief Minister Pehin Sri Adenan Satem’s view that Sarawak should be administered by Sarawakians, while continuously improving the quality of local leadership.

Attendees waving the flags when welcoming Premier upon his arrival at GPS Convention 2026 at BCCK on April 19, 2026.

Abang Johari warned that division could easily arise if trust among leaders and communities is weakened, but expressed pride that Sarawak has remained stable due to strong unity and mutual confidence.

“There are indeed people who are jealous of Sarawak’s strength. Some do not want Sarawak to be strong. Jealousy can divide us. Even if a political party is strong, without trust it will fall apart. Sarawak is fortunate that we have remained united until today,” he said.

He stressed that GPS governance is driven by sincerity and long-term planning rather than personal interest, with the coalition focused on shaping Sarawak’s future up to 2037 and 2050.

Abang Johari also highlighted GPS’s merit-based governance approach, which he said allows talent from all communities to rise.

He cited examples including an Iban female chief executive officer leading the transformation of Miri Port, as well as leadership within PETROS, which is also headed by an Iban CEO.

“Whoever is capable will rise based on merit. The same applies to the Chinese community and likewise the Malays. We place them accordingly because we depend on each other for the sake of Sarawak,” he said.

The Premier, who has been in politics for 40 years, reflected on his political journey alongside senior leaders, crediting past mentors for shaping today’s governance approach.

He said Sarawak’s development model has evolved significantly, including improved housing delivery systems, infrastructure provision, technology adoption and fully government-supported utilities under GPS policies.

He also noted that education in Sarawak is now provided freely, without reliance on scholarships, and made available to all communities as part of the government’s inclusive development agenda.

“Why is Sarawak progressing so much? Because we manage Sarawak ourselves. Because we are sincere in leadership, and we must have brains and funding; without these, progress is impossible. GPS has both, so we move forward,” he said.

Looking ahead, Abang Johari said Sarawak must continue building on its economic strength and governance foundation, with a focus on increasing household income and improving long-term planning.

“We serve because if Sarawak progresses, its people can live comfortably like in Norway, Finland, and Sweden, which have small populations of around five million. There is nothing wrong with Sarawak becoming one of the most progressive regions in Asia.

“As such, this convention is important for us to reflect on our achievements, our economic position, and to chart the way forward,” he said. — DayakDaily