State PKR: Increase in allocation for Sarawak must be leveraged to accelerate infrastructure development, improve basic amenities

MIRI, Oct 10 2026: State PKR information chief Senator Abun Sui Anyit said that the increase in allocation for Sarawak from RM15.1 billion this year to RM16.2 billion next year announced by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim yesterday is a positive development that must be leveraged to accelerate infrastructure development, improve basic amenities, and raise the standard of living for the people, particularly those in the state's rural and interior areas.

Caption: Senator Abun Sui Anyit says  the measure of a budget's success lies not merely in the announced figures, but in the tangible results experienced by the people.

He said for the residents of Hulu Rajang, Belaga, and other remote areas which still face challenges regarding roads, clean water supply, electricity, educational facilities, and access to healthcare services, the planned development must truly reach the people.

"I hope this allocation translates into effective project implementation that aligns with local priorities and addresses the needs of communities that have long awaited basic infrastructure development," he said when reacting to the federal 2027 budget tabled in Parliament.

While the increased allocation for Sarawak is highly welcome, he said the measure of a budget's success lies not merely in the announced figures, but in the tangible results experienced by the people.

"For Sarawak, special attention must be directed towards rural areas such as Hulu Rajang and Belaga. We require better roads, reliable clean water and electricity supplies, adequate healthcare facilities, comfortable schools, and dependable communication and internet connectivity," he said.

Abun suggested that development should not be concentrated solely in major cities, saying that citizens living far from urban centers also have the right to access basic amenities, educational opportunities, employment, and quality public services.

"I hope that federal agencies and the Sarawak government can strengthen coordination so that planned projects are implemented efficiently, transparently, and in alignment with the people's priorities," he added.

Abun said the state PKR views the federal 2027 budget as a positive step toward improving the people's welfare and strengthening national development.

"We hope that every allocation and announcement concerning Sarawak is implemented effectively, with special attention paid to Sarawak's rights, rural development, and the needs of remote communities.

"We envision a fairer Malaysia, where Sarawak continues to progress as a respected partner in the formation of the Federation, and where no citizen—including those in the most remote areas—is left behind in the nation's development.

"A good budget is one that not only offers hope but also brings tangible change to the lives of the people," he said.

Abun said he welcomes the federal government's commitment to continue negotiations with Sarawak and Sabah to finalise a fair and sustainable annual Special Grant formula.

He said the increase in the interim Special Grant rate to RM1.5 billion, following three previous increases, is a positive development. 

"However, these efforts must continue until a formula is finalized that is fair, reasonable, and takes into account Sarawak's rights and development needs.

"The implementation of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) should not stop merely at announcements or the devolution of certain jurisdictions," he said, adding that it must continue to be implemented in stages, in a spirit of equitable partnership between the federal and Sarawak governments.

He also welcomed the commitment to initiate formal negotiations regarding the development of the Sibu Special Economic Zone, including the incentive framework, a one-stop investment facilitation center, and strategic infrastructure requirements, saying that this initiative has the potential to open up investment avenues, expand job opportunities, and stimulate economic growth in central Sarawak.

He said the decision to double the Public Service Department (JPA) sponsorship offers for natives of Sabah and Sarawak is also a highly welcome move.

Higher education opportunities must be expanded so that Sarawakian youth—including those from low-income families and rural communities—have greater opportunities to pursue their studies and build a better future.

At the same time, the allocation of nearly RM1.3 billion to upgrade 682 dilapidated schools, particularly in Sabah and Sarawak, must be utilized effectively by paying serious attention to schools that still lack basic facilities and adequate learning infrastructure.

Dayak think tank hopes the increase in allocation to Sarawak will address the development gap between urban and rural areas

KUCHING, Oct 10 2026: Think tank Dayak Native Initiative (DANI) has expressed its hope that the increase in allocation for Sarawak will accelerate efforts to narrow the development gap between urban areas and rural and interior communities. 

Caption: Prime Minister and Finance Minister Anwar Ibrahim tabled the federal 2027 budget in Parliament

It said priority should be given to communities that continue to face inadequate basic amenities and limited access to education, healthcare and economic opportunities.

"For us, the success of the budget must be measured by tangible improvements in people’s lives, such as roads that remain accessible throughout the year, clean water, reliable electricity, good internet connectivity, and adequately equipped schools and clinics are basic necessities that require urgent attention," it said in a reaction to the federal 2027 budget tabled by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in Parliament yesterday.

Under the federal budget, Sarawak will receive RM16.2 billion next year.

DANI said it is concerned that uneven development and limited employment opportunities are among the factors driving young people to migrate from villages and longhouses to urban areas. 

"When young people have to seek livelihoods far from home, their communities lose the productive workforce needed to sustain agriculture, drive local economic activity and care for ageing family members," it said.

"This can leave more longhouse units without permanent occupants, while community life increasingly depends on older residents," it added, stressing that the consequences also affect the continuity of the customs, culture and communal life that define longhouse identity.

DANI also said that development in the interior must therefore go hand in hand with opportunities to earn an income, and it calls for greater attention to strengthening agriculture, small businesses, community cooperatives and cultural tourism, supported by training, access to financing and marketing assistance.

"Young people need viable options to build their future in their own communities. They should be able to remain in or return to their villages with confidence that adequate amenities and opportunities to earn a decent income are available.

"We also urge that projects be implemented transparently, on schedule and according to communities’ actual needs," it said, suggesting that the involvement of longhouse chiefs, village heads and local residents is essential to ensure that projects effectively address their concerns. 

"Project progress and maintenance after completion must also be monitored consistently," it said, hoping that the federal and Sarawak governments will continue to strengthen their cooperation so that the benefits of the federal budget reach even the most remote communities in the interior.

“Successful development reaches the people, revitalises rural economies and ensures that longhouses continue to have a future," DANI added.

Explain why Sarawak will receive less allocation than what Sabah will get under the federal 2027 budget, PBK president asks PMX

KUCHING, Oct 10 2026: Parti Bumi Kenyalang (PBK) Voon Lee Shan has questioned the rationale for Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to give less allocation to Sarawak compared what Sabah will get under the federal 2027 budget.

Caption: PBK president Voon Lee Shan says he wants to know what objective criteria do the federal government use to determine how much each state will receive

He said Sarawak should receive more as it has larger geographical territory, extensive infrastructure needs and significant contribution to Malaysia's economy.

"What objective criteria do the federal government use to determine how much each state receives?" he asked when commenting to the allocations to Sarawak and Sabah announced by Anwar yesterday.

Under the federal budget, Sabah will receive RM18.7 billion in federal allocations for 2027, while Sarawak will receive RM16.2 billion. 

Voon said Sarawak is Malaysia's largest state by geographical area, adding that its vast territory, scattered rural communities, remote settlements and difficult terrain create substantial challenges in providing roads, electricity, clean water, healthcare, education, telecommunications and other essential public services.

"Many Sarawakians, particularly those living in the interior and rural areas, continue to face difficulties accessing basic amenities that should be available to every Malaysian.

"The cost of delivering infrastructure and public services across Sarawak's enormous geographical area cannot be ignored. A fair allocation must take into account not only population size, but also land area, the number of underserved communities, infrastructure deficits, geographical challenges and the actual cost of development," he said.

Voon said PBK is not arguing that Sabah should receive less as Sabahans also deserve development and better living conditions just as much as the people of Sarawak. 

"Our position is that both Sabah and Sarawak must receive allocations that genuinely reflect their needs, contributions and longstanding development deficits," he added.

Voon also reminded that Sarawak and Sabah are important contributors to Malaysia's economic strength through their natural resources, energy industries, oil and gas activities, agriculture, forestry, tourism and other economic sectors.

"Sarawak, in particular, has substantial energy and natural-resource assets that contribute to national economic activity," he said, stressing that the benefits of these resources must translate into meaningful improvements in the lives of the people who live in the state.

He said he believes that federal government must recognise the relationship between national revenue generation, the rights and interests of the states, and the responsibility to address regional inequalities.

"We are not suggesting that every ringgit generated within a state must automatically be returned to that state. However, the distribution of national resources must be fair, transparent and responsive to the development needs of the regions that contribute to the nation's prosperity.

Voon, however, said PBKK welcomes any genuine increase in funding that benefits the people of Sarawak, but an increase alone does not establish that an allocation is fair or sufficient.

"The key question is whether the allocation adequately addresses Sarawak's needs and whether the distribution of federal resources is based on transparent, consistent and defensible criteria," he said.

People of all colours flood Padang Merdeka to watch the grand parade and rally held in conjunction with the governor's 80th birthday

KUCHING, Oct 10 2026: As early as 6am, colourful and cheerful Sarawakians from all walks of life began flooding Padang Merdeka to watch the grand parade and rally that highlighted the 80th birthday celebration of Governor Tun  Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar this morning.

Caption: Governor Tun Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar reacting with a heart-shaped hand gesture to  the cheers from the public as the carriage carrying him and Premier Abang Johari move on durng the parade

The turnout, regardless of age, race and background, made Padang Merdeka the main focus of the celebration, highlighting the spirit of unity and togetherness, as well as the people's respect for the institution of the governorship.

The festive atmosphere also showed the excitement of visitors who came with their families to witness the historic ceremony for themselves.

Among the moments that caught the attention was when Tun Wan Junaidi greeted the parade participants from the Royal Carriage by making a heart-shaped hand gesture, a symbol of his affection and closeness to the people.

The public also has the opportunity to watch the parade involving 107 contingents from various ministries, departments and government agencies, statutory bodies, government-linked companies (GLCs), institutions of higher learning and associations.

The festivities were also enlivened by the screening of a special video titled "Ucapan Rakyat Buat Tun" (The People's Wishes for Tun), which compiled birthday greetings and prayers from Sarawakians of various races and religions.

The screening reflected the people's appreciation and affection for the Sarawak Governor, while also highlighting the harmony of the state's multiracial society.

The ceremony was not merely a celebration of the 80th birthday of the governor, but also a platform that united the people in strengthening the spirit of goodwill, unity and togetherness that underpin Sarawak's harmony.

Premier praises Governor for his immense contributions to the state, country

KUCHING, Oct 10 2026: Premier Abang Johari Openg has praised Governor Tun Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar for his immense contributions not only to the state, but also to the country throughout his public service.

Caption: Governor Tun Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar cutting his 80th birthday cake as his family members and Premier Abang Johari Openg watch


He said Wan Junaidi, from a son of Sarawak serving in the security forces, to pursuing studies to become a lawyer, entering the political arena, shouldering the responsibility of a federal cabinet member, serving as the President of the Senate, and has finally become the state’s the Head of State.

He said Wan Junaidi's contributions in upholding Sarawak’s peace while serving in the Jungle Squad within the Rajang Security Command (RASCOM) area form a part of a history of sacrifice that must never be forgotten.

"I am certain that your service and willingness to risk your life in combating communist elements will remain an enduring part of the history of your sacrifices for a Sarawak free from the communist threat," the premier said in his speech at the 80th birthday celebration at Central Padang this morning.

"Throughout your career journey as a member of the security forces, a politician, and a federal cabinet member, you have witnessed and participated in various pivotal events in the history of both the nation and Sarawak," the premier said. 

He said the governor's experience in the fields of security, law, the constitution, and national administration has undoubtedly provided a broad perspective in understanding the intricacies of state and national governance. 

The premier also said that he, together with all the people of Sarawak, pray  that Wan Junaidi is always blessed with good health, peace of mind, and well-being. 

"As the Head of the GPS Government, I fervently hope that the unity fostered under Your Excellency's patronage will continue to serve as a catalyst for transforming Sarawak into the nation’s most advanced state by 2030, God willing," abang Johari said.

Senate president heads list of individuals receiving awards and medals in conjunction with the Governor's 80th birthday celebration

KUCHING, Oct 10 2026: Senate president Awang Bemee Awang Ali Basah heads a list of 1,350 individuals receiving awards and medals in conjunction with the 80th official birthday celebration of Governor Tun Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar  today.

Awang Bemee receives the *Panglima Negara Bintang Sarawak* (P.N.B.S.) award, which carries the title 'Dato Sri'.

THe other recipients of the award are Chief Judge of Sabah and Sarawak Azizah Nawawi;  Pro-Chancellor of Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Abdul Wahab Aziz; and  businessman Tay Ah Ching @ Tay Chin Kin.

Four other individuals receive *Panglima Gemilang Bintang Kenyalang* (P.G.B.K.) award, which carries the title 'Datuk'.

They are Appeal Court Judge Dean Wayne Daly, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew, State Legislative Assembly Deputy Speaker Idris Buang amnd Senior Private Secretary to the Governor, Syed Hamzah Syed Paie.

Six individuals are the recipients of the *Darjah Jasa Bakti Sarawak* (D.J.B.S.) award, which carries the title 'Datu'.

They are Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Morshidi Frederick, Dzulkornain Masron, State Agriculture Department director Dominic Chungat, Climate and Energy Diplomacy Unit director in the Premier's Department Dr Angelia Liew San Chuin,  Dr Peter Morin Michael Paong, and Ustaz Mual Suaud.

Additionally, 24 individuals received the *Panglima Setia Bintang Sarawak* (P.S.B.S.) award, which carries the title 'Dato'.

Among the recipients are Senator Rita Sarimah Patrick Insol, Senator Susan Chemerai Anding, Friday Belik, Sim Yaw Hang, John Ko Wai Seng, Professor Firdaus Abdullah, and Professor Dr Ahmad Hata Rasit,  Professor Lau Hieng Ho, Omar Mahli, Dr Veronica Lugah, Abang Rahmat Yusuf, and Shariman Jamil.

Also listed are Temenggong Chek Bujang, Temenggong Abdullah Jamil, Temenggong Henry Bujang Sendan,  Mohamad Zainal Abdullah, Abang Ehsan Abang Abu Bakar, Major General Mohd Sobirin Mohd Yusof, Lau Kim Swee, Azerina Mohd Arip, Kong Chiong Ung, Abg Bohari @ Abang Buahari Abang Zen, as well as a posthumous recipient, the late Sibat Buyong.

For the Johan Bintang Sarawak (J.B.S.) category, two individuals are listed as recipients,including one posthumous recipient, while two individuals received the Johan Bintang Kenyalang (J.B.K.).

One individual received the Johan Perkhidmatan Cemerlang (J.P.C.), while 17 individuals were awarded the Pingat Perkhidmatan Cemerlang (P.P.C.).

Meanwhile, four individuals received the Pingat Perwira Negeri (P.P.N.) Gold—including three posthumous recipients—while five individuals received the P.P.N. Bronze, including one posthumous recipient.

The list of recipients also covers the categories of Pegawai Bintang Sarawak (P.B.S.), Pegawai Bintang Kenyalang (P.B.K.), Pingat Perkhidmatan Bakti (P.P.B.), Ahli Bintang Sarawak (A.B.S.), Ahli Bintang Kenyalang (A.B.K.), Pingat Perkhidmatan Terpuji (P.P.T.), and Bentara Bintang Sarawak (B.B.S.).