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KUCHING: Sarawak's state flag has been named Ibu Pertiwi, says Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
The Premier said while the Malaysian flag was known as Jalur Gemilang, the state flag had no name until now.
"Ibu Pertiwi means 'our motherland', which we will protect. It reflects Sarawak's sovereignty, renown and unity.
"All Sarawakians must be determined to protect our motherland and develop the state to become more advanced," he said at the new year countdown celebration at Kuching Waterfront on Sunday (Dec 31) night.
During the event, Abang Johari launched the country's tallest flagpole, located near the Sarawak Legislative Assembly opposite the Waterfront.
He said the square where the 99m-tall structure stands would be named Dataran Ibu Pertiwi.
Abang Johari also revealed that three companies contributed to the cost of the flagpole, namely Petroleum Sarawak Bhd (Petros), PETRONAS and Shell.
"The flagpole attracted a lot of talk at first, but it will become an icon for us. It does not involve government funds. Three oil companies contributed to the flagpole under their corporate social responsibility.
"That is their contribution because they know that Sarawakians will look at the flag and protect it at all costs for the betterment of Sarawak," he said.
Looking ahead to 2024, Abang Johari said Sarawak would continue to build on the success of the past year.
He said the state's revenue rose to a record RM13.1bil in 2023, enabling the state government to give back to the people in development, educational support and other assistance.
"I'm confident that our economy will continue to strengthen in 2024. We will also take over some key organisations in 2024, which I will announce in due time," he said.
The countdown celebration featured cultural performances, a concert by national artists including Datuk Amy Search, Datuk Zainal Abidin and Hael Husaini, boat parade and fireworks display.
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