Premier Abang Johari says that for Sarawak, the future has been clearly charted by the GPS government

Premier Abang Johari Openg's text of speech delivered at the Malaysia Day celebration at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching on Sept 16, 2026

MALAYSIA DAY: LOOKING BACK, LOOKING FORWARD. 

Firstly, I wish to express my deepest gratitude to the Prime Minister for making the journey to Kuching tonight to join us in celebrating the 63rd Malaysia Day, particularly with the people of Sarawak.  

 After 63 years, we not only reflect on the history of Malaysia’s formation but also look at the nation’s journey thus far and how we will continue to forge ahead to become a developed, stable, and sustainable nation in the decades to come. 

For Sarawak, the future has been clearly charted by the GPS Government. We want Sarawak to continue progressing and prospering within Malaysia, while ensuring that Sarawak’s advancement strengthens the nation as a whole through the economy, energy, industry, technology, and regional development. 

RESPECTING RIGHTS, ENSURING THE DEVELOPMENT OF ALL REGIONS AS A NATIONAL AGENDA. 

Leaders from Sarawak agreed to join other regions to form Malaysia in 1963 because they believed that, through Malaysia, Sarawak would have the opportunity to catch up with the then more developed Malaya. 

Now, after 63 years within the Malaysian framework, the people of Sarawak remain steadfast in upholding the vision of the Sarawakian figures who—alongside leaders from Malaya and Sabah—founded Malaysia. 

I welcome the Prime Minister's recent statement assuring that the *Madani* Government under his leadership remains committed to ensuring more balanced national development that takes into account the potential of Sarawak and Sabah.

Furthermore, during the MA63 meeting in Kota Kinabalu a few days ago, the Prime Minister affirmed that efforts to strengthen the implementation of MA63 would be carried out as a national commitment. 

I wish to express my gratitude to the Prime Minister for the Federal Government's agreement to set the parliamentary representation ratio for Sarawak and Sabah at no less than one-third, as enshrined in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 and the IGC Report.

On behalf of the Sarawak GPS Government, I also wish to thank the Prime Minister and the Unity Government for agreeing to determine a revenue-sharing formula between the Central Government and Sarawak, as provided for under Article 112(D) of the Federal Constitution. 

Additionally, I deeply appreciate the Central Government's agreement to place tourism under the Concurrent List of the Ninth Schedule of the Federal Constitution. 

This move will pave the way for stronger collaboration and cooperation between the Central Government and the Sarawak Government to advance the tourism sector—a field that emerged after the formation of Malaysia and constitutes a "residual subject" under the Constitution. 

I sincerely hope that such commitments will foster an understanding that recognizing the rights and privileges of Sabah and Sarawak is an integral part of the national agenda. 

I am confident that through a more serious approach that comprehensively considers the development interests of all regions, the unity of the nation’s people will be further strengthened, as they will feel respected, valued, and accorded the attention they deserve. 

THE SARAWAK GOVERNMENT: “WALKING THE TALK” Distinguished guests, 

The GPS Government in Sarawak has proven itself to be a government that “walks the talk.” Sarawak’s economic development has been outstanding in recent times, anchored by the robust long-term policies of PCDS 2030. 

Steering Sarawak’s economy towards a green and sustainable model is the right strategy to elevate the state to the status of an advanced, high-income economy.

This is evidenced by Bintulu’s selection as one of only 43 “Transitioning Industrial Clusters” (TICs) worldwide—and the first in Malaysia—under the auspices of the World Economic Forum. 

While Bintulu in Northern Sarawak serves as a center for industrial transformation shifting towards clean energy, Tanjung Embang in the South is designed to act as a gateway to a broader economic network, functioning as a low-carbon hub for the nation and the region. 

Supported by a new international airport and a deep-sea port, this low-carbon hub is set to inject massive capital into Sarawak’s economy over the coming decade, with total projected investments reaching RM100 billion.

The willingness of regional development banks—specifically the Asian Development Bank (ADB)—to collaborate with Sarawak serves as a testament to the state’s efforts to establish itself as a green economic hub within the ASEAN and Asian regions. 

Last week, I led the Sarawak delegation to the ADB headquarters in Manila to discuss the strategic direction of Sarawak’s development and its potential contributions to Malaysia and ASEAN—particularly regarding electricity generation and distribution to ASEAN nations—in an effort to strengthen the region's energy security. 

Today, we are already witnessing the potential of cross-border energy connectivity through electricity supplies to Kalimantan and strengthening ties with Sabah, while plans are also underway to supply electricity to Brunei. 

This demonstrates that Sarawak’s energy sector plays an increasingly vital role in the development of Borneo and ASEAN. 

In other words, true to the dreams and vision of Sarawak’s founding leaders within Malaysia, the Land of the Hornbills is striding resolutely and confidently toward a glorious future. 

Through close cooperation and collaboration between the GPS Government and the Federal Government, I am fully confident that Sarawak can reach the pinnacle as a developed, high-income region by 2030, God willing.