Sarawak Day: Governor Calls On People To Remain United To Build Bighter Future For State

KUCHING, July 21 (Bernama) -- Sarawak Governor Tun Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar today called on the people of Sarawak to remain united and work hand in hand with the government and the private sector to build a brighter and more prosperous future for the state.

In his message in conjunction with Sarawak Day, he highlighted the historical importance of July 22, 1963, as a defining moment in Sarawak’s journey towards self-governance.

He said it was on this date that the British colonial administration handed over administrative powers to Sarawak’s first locally-led government under Chief Minister Tan Sri Stephen Kalong Ningkan.

"This event marked a pivotal step in preparing Sarawak to join the formation of Malaysia alongside Sabah, Singapore and Malaya. The transfer of power occurred before Sarawak officially became part of the Federation of Malaysia on 16 September 1963," he said.

Wan Junaidi described the occasion as the foundation for shaping Sarawak’s identity as a sovereign state within the Federation of Malaysia.

“We remember and honour the contributions of our pioneers such as Tan Sri Stephen Kalong Ningkan and Datuk Seri Tawi Sli, who played vital roles in establishing our own administration,” he said.

He also expressed his appreciation for the service and dedication of former chief ministers, including the late Tun Abdul Rahman Ya’kub, the late Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud, and the late Tan Sri Adenan Satem, for their significant contributions to Sarawak’s progress and development.

Commenting on the current state government leadership, Wan Junaidi lauded the efforts of Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg in steering the state towards greater progress through the implementation of the Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.

He said that the strategy's emphasis on digital economy growth, renewable energy, particularly green hydrogen, bioeconomy, and investment in education and innovation has positioned Sarawak firmly on the path to global prominence.

“Sarawak’s economy has shown strong resilience post-pandemic, and is now poised to become a leader in the field of green and digital energy.

“This progress will not happen without close collaboration between the government, the people and the private sector. The government provides policies and infrastructure, the private sector is the driver of investment, and the people are supporters of development aspirations,” he said.

In conjunction with this year’s Sarawak Day, Wan Junaidi hoped that the celebration could further fuel the love for the state, thus encouraging the people to continue moving forward with confidence and unity

-- BERNAMA