Sarawak showing strong signs of developed region under Premier’s leadership, says Governor

Sarawak Governor and wife extending Christmas greetings to all Christians in Sarawak.

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, Dec 24: Sarawak has now demonstrated the characteristics of a developed region under the leadership of Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

Sarawak Governor Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar expressed pride in the State’s development trajectory, noting that while Sarawak may not yet be on par with fully developed nations and regions such as Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Kuala Lumpur and Penang, it is clearly moving in the same direction through the Post-Covid Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.

He highlighted that Sarawak’s progress is anchored on building a high-income economy, with growth no longer dependent solely on oil and gas but increasingly driven by green energy, the digital economy and high-technology industries.

“Sarawak is also targeting higher per capita income to raise the overall standard of living of its people,” he said in his Christmas greeting and message to the people of Sarawak today.

Wan Junaidi pointed to major advances in science, technology and renewable energy, including Sarawak’s aspiration to become the “Battery of ASEAN” by exporting green energy to neighbouring countries.

“Initiatives in the hydrogen economy, such as integrated hydrogen production and hydrogen-powered buses, reflect Sarawak’s strong commitment to green technology.

“The implementation of the Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) system as a major step towards a modern, high-capacity and environmentally friendly public transport network,” he added.

Significant investments in roads, bridges and ports were also highlighted, alongside mega projects such as the new international airport at Tanjung Embang, Samarahan, and the proposed deep-sea port in Kuching, which are expected to boost economic growth and position Sarawak as a regional trade and logistics hub.

Education and quality of life remain key priorities, he emphasised, with Sarawak focusing on improving access to quality education through initiatives such as government-owned international schools and free higher education for Sarawakian students, while maintaining English as a primary language of instruction.

He noted that efforts are also underway to upgrade ageing healthcare facilities, particularly in rural areas, to ensure better healthcare services for all.

The Governor also underscored Sarawak’s strong financial standing, noting that the State has consistently received an AAA sub-sovereign credit rating with a stable outlook from RAM Ratings and MARC Ratings.

“This reflects Sarawak’s strong fiscal position, prudent financial management, diversified revenue sources and substantial cash reserves, which stood at RM26.9 billion at the end of 2023.

“Sarawak’s excellent credit rating and development achievements demonstrate financial stability, disciplined governance and forward-looking economic strategies, placing the State firmly on the path towards developed status in line with the PCDS 2030 vision,” he said.

He stressed that close cooperation between the people and the Sarawak government is crucial to sustaining progress and stability, adding that the State’s aspirations for a developed and prosperous Sarawak by 2030 can only be realised with strong public support.

In conjunction with Christmas, Wan Junaidi, together with his wife Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi and family, extended his heartfelt Christmas greetings to all Christians in Sarawak and elsewhere.

“May this year’s Christmas be celebrated in an atmosphere filled with joy, familial love and harmony, and bring well-being, hope and deeper understanding into our shared lives as a united society.”

Describing Christmas as a celebration that symbolises love, sincerity, and the spirit of giving and sharing, he called on Sarawakians to uphold these universal values, which form the foundation of harmony in the State’s multi-racial and multi-religious society.

He also expressed pride in Sarawak’s long-standing Open House tradition during major religious festivals, including Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Gawai Dayak, Chinese New Year, Deepavali and Christmas, describing it as a vital platform for strengthening unity and mutual understanding.

“This practice proves that differences do not divide us; instead, they make us stronger, more united and more mature as a society living in peace, mutual respect and mutual love,” he said.

Wan Junaidi encouraged Sarawakians to take the opportunity during the festive season to visit relatives, friends and acquaintances, reinforcing bonds of affection and friendship, and to continue celebrating diversity with respect, tolerance and compassion. — DayakDaily