Copyright dayakdaily
By Shikin Louis KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 25: Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg envisions Sarawak emerging as “the star of Malaysia and the star of ASEAN”, driven by a bold generation of young Sarawakians ready to take on the challenges of a changing world. Speaking at the Anak Sarawak Dinner held in conjunction with Lan Berambeh Anak Sarawak (LBAS) 2025, Abang Johari urged Sarawakian students to embrace creativity, innovation and courage in exploring new frontiers of knowledge and technology, while adding value to the State’s resources. “While you are still in university, you must try very hard to explore new things and invent new things. “If this is the spirit of Anak Sarawak, sharing knowledge and learning together, InsyaAllah Sarawak will play its role not only in this region but globally in the new economy,” he said during the dinner held at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) here tonight. Abang Johari emphasised that Sarawak’s abundant natural resources can only reach their full potential through the intellectual strength of its people. “We thank God we have all the resources. The only missing link is our intellectual strength. “To Anak Sarawak who are currently pursuing their studies, strengthen your knowledge so that together we can play a role in addressing the global challenge—climate change,” he added. He also highlighted Sarawak’s leadership in green governance as the first in Malaysia and among the earliest in Southeast Asia to enact laws on carbon management and trading. With the State’s growing revenue, he said Sarawak is able to reinvest in its people through initiatives such as RM1,200 annual pocket money for students and free tertiary education in State-owned universities starting in 2026. The Premier also announced several major infrastructure projects fully funded by the State government, including the Miri–Marudi–Long Lama–Mulu–Limbang–Lawas road network, a State-wide water grid and a RM1 billion pipe replacement programme, along with plans to build a Sarawak Complex in Kuala Lumpur to serve as a hostel and gathering place for Sarawakians studying in Peninsular Malaysia. Concluding his speech, Abang Johari called on Sarawakians to preserve unity and nurture wisdom as the foundation of progress. “Let us protect our unity and our State. May Sarawak give birth to intelligent generations so that we become the star of Malaysia and the star of ASEAN,” he said. The dinner was graced by Sarawak Governor Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and his wife Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi. Among those present were Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Amar Fadillah Yusof, who serves as LBAS 2025 patron; Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan and Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian; and Federal Minister of Works Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi, who serves as LBAS 2025 chairman. — DayakDaily
