Sarawak Premier forgoes Hari Raya open house to honour late wife

KUCHING (March 19): Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg will not be hosting an open house for Hari Raya Aidilfitri this year.

He said the decision is a mark of respect for his late wife Datuk Amar Juma’ani Tuanku Bujang, who passed away less than a year ago.

“Nevertheless, my family and I wish everyone Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Maaf Zahir dan Batin.

“May this Syawal bring happiness, strengthen unity and increase blessings in all our lives.

“May Sarawak continue to be peaceful, stable, progressive and prosperous for present and future generations,” he said in his 2026 Hari Raya message.

Abang Johari described Hari Raya Aidilfitri as a time to strengthen ties, forgive one another, and appreciate Sarawak’s cultural diversity.

“The open house tradition in Sarawak symbolises inclusivity and goodwill among races and religions.

“This is our uniqueness — living in diversity, yet united in one shared spirit of togetherness,” he said, adding that unity and harmony must remain the foundation of Sarawak’s strength.

In his message, Abang Johari also conveyed apologies, on behalf of himself and the state leadership, for any shortcomings, pledging continued commitment and integrity to advance Sarawak’s development.

Highlighting the state’s current phase of development, Abang Johari pointed to efforts under the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 to improve networks, water supply, electricity, and internet access.

He emphasised transforming Sarawak’s economy into a high-income region through technology, innovation, value-added activities, and environmental sustainability.

On human capital, the Premier highlighted a strong focus on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education to cultivate future industry leaders, while the Free Tertiary Education Sarawak (FTES) initiative aims to help students from low- and middle-income families to pursue higher education without financial burden.

Abang Johari also stressed the government’s commitment to renewable energy, including hydro, solar, and hydrogen projects, to position Sarawak as a regional clean energy hub while generating high-skilled job opportunities.

He added that development of infrastructure, healthcare, education, and housing remains a priority to ensure equitable benefits across the state.

He said between 2021 and 2025, a total of 924 housing units were completed under the Rumah Spektra Permata (RSP) and Projek Rakyat (PR) programmes, covering urban, suburban, and rural areas.

“These projects reflect our commitment to providing safe, comfortable, and affordable homes for low- and middle-income families.

“A house is more than shelter — it is the foundation for stable families, a harmonious environment, and a secure future for the next generation.

“God-willing, more such housing projects are planned across Sarawak to improve quality of life and well-being,” he said.