Opinion: Political leaders from other parts of Malaysia should learn from Sarawak's example of how unity thrives

 By Peter John Jaban 

The strong unity in Sarawak stands as a powerful example of how diversity can become a source of strength rather than division. 

Peter John Jaban: Premier  Abang Johari Abang Openg  remains committed to safeguarding Sarawak’s rights, strengthening unity, and advancing the state’s future.

For generations, Sarawakians of different ethnic and religious backgrounds have lived together in peace, guided by mutual respect, tolerance, and a shared identity as Sarawakians.

Beyond race and religion, Sarawakians proudly identify themselves first as we are Sarawakians.

 This collective identity has helped communities remain united and focused on the common good of the state.

Sarawak’s modern unity was significantly strengthened during the leadership of former Chief Minister Adenan Satem, fondly known as Tok Nan. Though known for his humour and approachable personality, Tok Nan was firm and resolute in defending Sarawak’s rights and dignity.

His leadership awakened a renewed sense of pride and unity among Sarawakians.

 Today, that legacy continues under the leadership of Abang Johari Abang Openg, who remains committed to safeguarding Sarawak’s rights, strengthening unity, and advancing the state’s future.

In recent years, Sarawakians and political parties despite differing political ideologies have also come together to defend the rights guaranteed under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).

 Activists and civil society groups have played a crucial role in educating the public through forums, campaigns, peaceful protests, and demonstrations, raising awareness and strengthening public resolve to safeguard Sarawak’s autonomy.

Sarawakians are also known for their strong fighting spirit. Rallying calls such as “Agi Idup Agi Ngelaban”, “Sarawak for Sarawakians”, “Sarawak First”, and “Saya Anak Sarawak” reflect the determination of the people to defend the rights, dignity, and future of Sarawak.

Importantly, the Sarawak government continues to acknowledge and listen to the demands of the rakyat, strengthening public confidence and unity.

Our Governor Tun Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar has also urged Sarawakians to remain united, reminding us that solidarity is essential in safeguarding the state’s future.

Leaders across Malaysia must stop exploiting religion and race for political mileage.

 Such tactics only divide society and undermine national unity.

Instead, they should learn from the example set by Sarawak, where mutual respect, inclusiveness, and shared identity take precedence over racial and religious politics.”

Sarawak’s strong performance in national unity rankings proves that unity is possible when leaders respect diversity, listen to the people, and place the interests of society above race and religious politics.

Instead of merely preaching unity, leaders in other parts of Malaysia including those in Putrajaya should take a lesson from Sarawak.

If Malaysia truly wants unity, it should start by learning from Sarawak.

Yes ..We are proud of Sarawak’s achievement.

Note: Peter John Jaban is Deputy President Global Human Rights Federation ( Malaysia ), founder of Saya Anak Sarawak and a co-founder of Sarawak For Sarawakians

Uncharted Waters (2025 Edition): The Memoirs of C Hudson Southwell launched by deputy minister

MIRI, March 9 2026: The launch of the book Uncharted Waters (2025 Edition): The Memoirs of C. Hudson Southwell yesterday is a symbol of appreciation for the legacy of a missionary figure who played an important role in the development of the Borneo Evangelical Mission (BEM) in Sarawak.

Caption: Deputy Minister Gerawat Gala (third from left), editor and publisher of the book Rod J Blair (2nd from left) at the launch of Uncharted Waters (2025 Edition): The Memoirs of C Hudson Southwell - Photo by Ukas 

The event, organised by BEM Pelita Church, was officiated by Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department (Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring) and Mulu State Legislative Member (SLM) Gerawat Gala.

Also present were Secretary-General of BEM Sarawak representing President of BEM Sarawak, Elder Stanley Sigar Arun, editor and publisher of the book Rod J. Blair, Chairman of BEM Miri District Pastor Luther Sakai, pastors and church elders and community leaders.

In his opening speech, Gerawat said the launch of the book was not just about introducing a historical work, but also a tribute to the life and sacrifice of a missionary who completely surrendered his life to the call of God.

He said missionary figure C. Hudson Southwell left his homeland in Australia to embark on a journey through the interior of Borneo in the late 1920s, particularly among the Orang Ulu community in Baram.

According to him, Southwell's journey was full of challenges and suffering, including serving in the interior jungle and going through a difficult experience during the Japanese occupation of Sarawak when he was detained at Batu Lintang Camp in Kuching.

"Despite going through various difficulties, his faith in God remained strong and his efforts have had a profound impact on the local community and the development of the church in Sarawak," he said.

He also informed that the development of BEM is now very rapid with 713 registered churches and more than 110,000 members in Sarawak in addition to expanding to Sabah and Peninsular Malaysia.

The launch of the book is also considered timely ahead of the 100th anniversary celebration of BEM Sarawak which is scheduled for November 2028.

 

Sarawak govt recognises important role of churches in spiritual development, helping build peaceful and harmonious community

 MIRI, March 8 2026: Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring) Gerawat Gala said the state government recognises the important role of churches in contributing to the spiritual development of the community and helping build a peaceful, progressive and harmonious community.

Gerawat Gala says since 2017, Unifor has been allocated with RM565 million to assist churches and other non-Islamic religious institutions 

“So in recognition of the important and highly impactful role played by the Church in building our nation, the state government has established the Unit for Other Religious Affairs (Unifor),” he said today, quoted by Berita RTM Sarawak.

He said Unifor was established in 2017, having a specific annual budget allocation to assist churches and other religious institutions.

Gerawat was speaking at the book launch of Uncharted Waters: Memoirs of C. Hudson Southwell in Miri.

He  said that since 2017 the state government has allocated approximately RM565 million to assist churches and other non-Islamic religious institutions in implementing various development projects.

According to him, quoted by Berita RTM Sarawak, of the amount, RM70.9 million has been channelled to Borneo Evangelical Mission (BEM) churches to implement 639 church development projects throughout the state.

He explained that the total allocation also does not include direct grants channeled to several BEM church projects such as RM10 million to the BEM Belaga Church, RM10 million to the BEM Sungai Asap Church, and RM10 million to the BEM Centre Batu Kawa in Kuching.

He also hoped that the church would continue to work closely with the state government in efforts to build a stronger, united and progressive Sarawak.

Sibu fire renders a family of five homeless

SIBU, March 8 2026: A family of five was rendered homeless when their wooden house at Kampung Bahagia Jaya, Jalan Teku here was completely razed to the ground by fire this evening.

Caption: The fire at its height, engulfing the wooden house at Jalan Teku - Photo by Bomba 

Sungai Merah Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) said it received an emergency call about the incident at about 6.50pm.

It said firemen, upon arrival at the location, found that the fire involved a non-permanent structure type house which was completely destroyed in the fire,” it said in a statement.

The fire also completely destroyed a car and a motorcycle.

However, there were no reports of human casualties or injuries.

The family is made up of a man, three women and a child.

After ensuring that the situation was under control and the fire was completely extinguished, the firemen then left for the station.

 

Proposal to add 17 new Sarawak State Assembly seats expected to be table in the July sitting of Parliament

KUCHING, March 8 2026: Deputy Prime Minister Fadillah Yusof said that proposal to add 17 new seats to the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (SLA), which will increase the total number of seats from 82 to 99, is expected to be tabled in the July Parliament session.

Caption: Deputy Prime Minister Fadillah Yusof says that the discussions on the 17 additional seats are now at the federal level 

He said that discussions on the matter are still ongoing at the federal government level before it is tabled for consideration by Parliament.

“Right now we are only discussing at the federal level and we aim for the proposal to add more seats to the Sarawak SLA to be tabled in the July Parliament session,” he said.

He was speaking to reporters after attending the Iftar Jamaie NEXGEN P194 Petra Jaya 2026 held at the Al-Ghazali Mosque here this evening.

The Petra Jaya MP added that any further developments on the matter will only be known after the proposal to add more seats is tabled and receives Parliament’s approval.

Sarawak SLA on 7 July 2025 passed the State Legislative Assembly (Membership Composition) Bill 2025 which saw the addition of 17 new seats, bringing the total to 99 SLA seats.

At the same ceremony, Fadillah also presented duit raya donations to tahfiz students from Madrasah Darul Uloom Islamiyyah Rampangi, Madrasah Darul Uloom Al-Fatah and Madrasah Tahfiz Al-Qurah Bidayatul Muthadin as well as to residents of Toh Puan Hajah Norkiah Children's Home.