Abdullah Saidol wants decisive action against news portal for its irresponsible reporting on Sarawak

KUCHING, Feb 1 2026: Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Corporate Affairs, Information and Ukas) Abdulah Saidol wanted decisive to be taken against irresponsible news reporting, particularly when it undermines or negates the interests and constitutional rights of Sarawak and Sabah. 

Abdullah Saidol:The tone of their reports, which portrays us as greedy or arrogant, is merely a reflection of their own biases. 

He emphasised this necessity while criticising a Selangor-based social media news portal Berita 757.

He described the portal’s conduct as irresponsible and a failure to comply with basic journalistic ethics.

He explained that the portal’s reporting methods deviate from established journalistic norms, often relying on vague, unnamed sources—such as "political experts" or "observers" — without providing verifiable sources of information or credible analysis.

"The tone of their reports, which portrays us as greedy or arrogant, is merely a reflection of their own biases," the deputy minister remarked.

"For decades, Sarawak and Sabah have prioritised tolerance, diplomacy, and consultation in our policies and political engagement.

"However, the provocations of late have become quite extreme. The Sarawak premier has advised me and several other parties not to be overly distracted by this provocative tone, as he prefers an approach of diplomacy and formal discussion over public confrontation," he added.

Abdullah made these comments while speaking to reporters following the Walk for Health event with Premier Abang Johari Openg, at the Sarawak Botanical Gardens in Petra Jaya this morning.

He further cautioned that extreme provocation can lead to widespread misunderstandings, especially among those who do not fully grasp the complex relationship between the Federal Government and the Borneo states.

This is particularly critical when dealing with sensitive legal issues and claims involving gas resources, he stressed. He noted that misinformed assumptions can cause public unease and disrupt efforts to maintain harmonious federal-state relations.

"Such a situation is detrimental to our efforts to uphold a good and stable relationship between the federal government and the states of Sarawak and Sabah," he reminded - UKASnews

"Some people assume that Petronas' legal action may have been 'approved' by PMX" says Abdullah Saidol

KUCHING, Feb 1 2026:  Petroliam Nasional Berhad's (Petronas) legal action in bringing up issue of clarification on the regulatory framework applicable to the company's petroleum operations in Sarawak has raised political suspicions.

Abdullah Saidol: Sometimes, our suspicions arise because in the Petroleum Development Act 1974 (PDA 74), the individuals responsible for the court's decision have great influence, including links to Petronas - Picture by Ukas

Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department (Corporate Affairs, Information and Ukas),  Abdullah Saidol said that although this matter was brought to court, Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) and the state government allowed the court to make a decision and any assumptions outside the court should be ignored.

According to him, the action of bringing this matter to court was an initiative of Petronas, and not the state government.

"Sometimes, our suspicions arise because in the Petroleum Development Act 1974 (PDA 74), the individuals responsible for the court's decision have great influence, including links to Petronas,” he said, quoted by Ukas, at a press conference  after a 'Walk For Health' with Premier Abang Johari Openg at the Sarawak Botanical Gardens, Petra Jaya, this morning.

"In fact, the prime minister himself has links to PDA 74, so some people assume that Petronas' action may have been 'approved' by him,” referring to Anwar Ibrahim.

"This is the political suspicion that has arisen, even though we are still in a unity government at the federal level," he said.

However, Abdullah  made it clear that the Sarawak government will continue to cooperate with the federal government until the next state election.

He said his stance is clear that GPS will contest all seats in Sarawak without compromising with any other party, and the final decision will be determined by Abang Johari, who is also PBB president and GPS chairman,

"This is because we are able to manage ourselves and at the same time continue to develop Sarawak without outside interference.

"I also want to advise, especially to certain parties in Malaya who want to stir up trouble, to be careful because when the community is large, it will be difficult to control the situation," he warned.

On Jan 12, Petronas filed a motion at the Federal Court seeking clarity on the legal and regulatory framework governing its operations in Sarawak, naming both the federal and Sarawak state governments as respondents.

The application sought for determination by the Federal Court on the legal position applicable to Petronas’ operations in Sarawak, to ensure that the company continues to operate in full compliance with the applicable laws and sound governance practices.

Highly decorated Amelia Roziman steps down as CEO of Business Events Sarawak

KUCHING, Feb 1 2026: Highly decorated Amelia Roziman has stepped down as chief executive officer (CEO) of Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak) effective January 31, 2026, concluding a distinguished 20-year tenure marked by growth, innovation, and long-term impact.

 Amelia Roziman says she will continue to contribute in a different capacity

She is an internationally recognised as a global thought leader and international speaker, including being the first woman in Asia inducted into the Events Industry Council Hall of Leaders (2023), the first Asian and fifth global recipient of The Iceberg Excellence Award (2025), serving on The Iceberg Board of Trustees, and receiving more than 10 professional awards throughout her career.

During her tenure, Sarawak secured 31 destination marketing and innovation awards and achieved a 100 per cent bid win rate since 2022.

Under her leadership, Sarawak emerged as one of the world’s leading destinations for legacy-driven business events, with the sector embedded as a key growth area under the Sarawak government’s Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030).

She also strengthened a whole-of-ecosystem approach that positioned Sarawak as Malaysia and Borneo’s legacy capital for business events.

“Amelia’s legacy is a sector-wide mindset that values innovation, responsibility, and long-term positive impact,” Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said in his speech at a ceremony to bade her farewell.

He said the ministry will continue to support her future endeavours.

Deputy State Secretary Hii Chang Kee said Amelia’s exceptional leadership has strengthened Sarawak’s global standing and positioned BESarawak strongly for its next chapter.

In her farewell speech, Amelia said it has been an honour to work alongside impact-driven leaders who believe in the power of business events to create real change.

“As one of the pioneers of Malaysia’s business events sector, it has been a privilege to witness how the team, industry, and ecosystem have evolved over the years.

“I will continue to contribute in a different capacity, and I sincerely thank everyone for the trust and support given thus far. I look forward to continuing this journey together in the future,” she said.