Sarawak govt agrees to pay RM1.8 billion, plus goodwill,for the take-over of Bintulu Port from Putrajaya, says premier

KUCHING, April 19 2026: The Sarawak government has agreed to pay RM1.8 billion compensation for the take-over of Bintulu Port from the federal government, Premier Abang Johari Openg (picture) disclosed at the opening of a one-day Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) convention here today.

He said the federal government asked for a RM4.8 billion compensation for the take-over of the country’s premier liquefied natural gas (LNG) port during a discussion that he attended with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Transport Minister Anthony Loke and Deputy Premier Douglas Uggah.

“Based on my mathematical calculation, if the value of assets is RM1.1 billion, how was it that we were asked to pay RM4.8 billion compensation.

“I told PMX and Loke we could not pay the amount,” he said.

“I told them we would pay the most RM1.8 billion, plus goodwill,” the premier said.

He said the port is now fully owned by the state.

The premier said the take-over of Bakun dam is a blessing to Sarawak.

He added if it remains with the federal government, the state government would not have a say in fixing the electricity tariff rates.

He said fixing the tariff rates would be determined by the federal government.

The premier expressed his grateful to former Prime Minister Najib Razak who agreed for Sarawak to take over Bakun dam.

“During the discussion, Najib said the federal government was prepared to hand over Bakun dam if Sarawak was prepared to pay RM2.5 billion compensation.

“Without hesitation, I accepted to the price,” he said.

The premier said the state government has fully paid the amount in six installments within six months of the take-over.

Sarawak's strength lies in the unity and stability of GPS, says PRS president

KUCHING, April 19 2026: Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) president John Sikie Tayai stressed that one of Sarawak's greatest strengths today is the unity and political stability through Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS).

John Sikie Tayai: Another responsibility of GPS is to safeguard the rights and interests of Sarawak within the Federation of Malaysia.

He said he believes that it is the strength of GPS in the State Legislature and in the unity of the GPS government that has earned Sarawak the respect and attention from the Federal Government.

“But the dominance of GPS in the State Legislature and the strong GPS government are not invulnerable,” he said in his speech at the GPS convention gere.

“An opposition causing a GPS component losing a seat would weaken GPS by that much. This we should never allow because it weakens our stance in dealing with the federal government,” he added.

He said the formation of GPS demonstrated that when “we put Sarawak first, we can achieve extraordinary progress.”

Sikie, who is also the Minister in the Premier’s Department, said another responsibility of GPS is to safeguard the rights and interests of Sarawak within the Federation of Malaysia.

“These rights are enshrined in the Malaysia Agreement 1963,” he said, adding that they represent the foundation upon which our partnership within Malaysia was built.

Sikie also said the smaller and not-so-well-endowed component of GPS, such as us in PRS, are worried all the time seeing danger looming in the horizon as the state election becomes closer.

“However, we do comfort ourselves with the hope that our partners in the GPS would stay together behind us, ensuring each other's state legislative assembly (SLA) seats be safeguarded together, in order to achieve total domination by GPS in the State Legislature,” he added

He added only by GPS domination of the State Legislature and by maintaining strong government in “the state do we ensure that Sarawak gets the attention and respect of the federal government”, stressing that maintaining strong state government is the common concern of all the GPS component parties.

Only GPS can guarantee Sarawak's future, says DP Uggah

KUCHING, April 19 2026: Parti Pesaka Bumiputerta Bersatu (PBB) deputy president Douglas Uggah stressed that only Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) is able to guarantee Sarawak's future.

Douglas Uggah:GPS also has a clear long-term plan through Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030) and its goal is clear, to make Sarawak a high-income developed state.  

He pointed out that GPS is a local party, rooted in the land of Sarawak and its priority is not an external agenda, but the interests of the people of Sarawak.

“GPS understands the real challenges of the people, rural roads, water and electricity supplies, education, and economic opportunities,” he said at the GPS convention here today.

He said decisions that made are closer to the reality of the people, not influenced by external interests.

“Secondly, GPS has proven its ability to govern stably and effectively. Under the leadership of the leadership of Abang Johari Openg, leaping towards a new economy in terms of green energy, digital economy, and large-scale infrastructure development.

“Investments in hydropower, hydrogen and digital technology demonstrate a far-reaching vision, ensuring that Sarawak is not left behind,” he said.

Uggah, who is also deputy premier, said thirdly,  GPS is firm in defending Sarawak's rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).

“Efforts to regain the right to resources, including oil and gas, have strengthened the state's financial position and the results are being enjoyed by the people,” he said.

He also said GPS has succeeded in maintaining unity among Sarawak's various races and religions.

“In an uncertain world, this stability is a key force in attracting investment, creating job opportunities, and ensuring continued development.

“GPS also has a clear long-term plan through Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030) and its goal is clear, to make Sarawak a high-income developed state.

“And most importantly, this approach is inclusive. No citizen will be left behind,” he said.

Uggah stressed that Sarawak's future is not just about physical development; it is about dignity, it is about rights.

“GPS is a bulwark that defends Sarawak's sovereignty while bringing about sustainable progress,” he said.

He said that with the strong support of the people, Sarawak can not only progress,it can be an example of the success of an independent, competitive and united state.