Sarawak State Election: Assess every candidate based on integrity, capability and record of service, DANI advises voters

MIRI, Nov 11 2026: Think tank Dayak Native Initiative (DANI) has advised voters to assess every candidate based on integrity, capability, record of service, understanding of the people’s concerns and willingness to engage with and listen to the community before they cast their votes in the state election.

It said their decision should not be based solely on slogans, popularity, temporary emotions or blind loyalty to any political party.

"A good elected representative must be approachable, courageous in speaking up, transparent and accountable to the people," DANI said in a statement, ahead of polling day on Dec 12.

It added candidates should have clear plans to address the cost of living, employment opportunities, education, healthcare, basic infrastructure, rural development, Native Customary Rights land and the future of young people.

It also reminded voters to reject money politics, intimidation, slander, hatred and attempts to divide society along racial, religious or political lines. Government assistance and public allocations are the people’s entitlement and are funded with public money. They must never be used to purchase loyalty or frighten voters.

It also called upon all candidates to campaign maturely, respectfully and on the basis of sound policies, adding that they should explain what they can realistically deliver, how they intend to implement their proposals and the time required to achieve them. Political promises must be realistic and open to public evaluation.

DANI also urged voters, particularly the younger generation, to obtain information from reliable sources, compare the candidates and examine their records before making a decision. 

"The future of our society must not be determined by rumours or unverified content circulated on social media.

"Every vote is secret, valuable and carries a great responsibility," DANI said, advising the young voters to choose a candidate who is sincerely committed to serving the people, respects democracy and is capable of delivering fair progress for every community.

"Do not vote under pressure. Do not vote in exchange for rewards. Vote with knowledge, conscience and hope for a better future for Sarawak," it advised.

DANI noted that in the run up to polling day, political discussions are becoming more intense, various names are emerging as potential candidates, and political parties are becoming increasingly active in reaching out to the people. 

In such an atmosphere, DANI urges all voters to remain calm and exercise their democratic rights wisely and responsibly.

"An election is more than a contest between political parties or candidates," it said, adding that election is a process through which the people choose individuals who will represent their voices, defend their constituencies’ interests and help shape government policies for the next five years.

State government implementing Kuching Traffic Master Plan to address traffic congestion in areas outside the city

 BATU KAWA, Nov 11 2026: The Sarawak government is implementing Kuching Traffic Master Plan 2030 to address traffic congestion arising from the rapid growth of residential areas and new developments, said Premier Abang Johari Openg today.

Caption: Deputy Premier Dr Sim Kui Hian briefing Premier Abang Johari Openg and Deputy Premier Douglas Uggah Embas on the various development projects in Batu Kawa

He said the master plan, which is based on data, traffic simulations and modelling, serves as a guide for the government in planning new roads and increasing the capacity of existing routes.

He said among the major projects being implemented is the RM207.88 million Jalan Batu Kawa to Jalan Stephen Yong project, funded by the Sarawak government to improve traffic flow in the area.

"The RM207 million comes from the state budget to help ease traffic flow in Batu Kawa, where the increase in residential developments has led to congestion," he said at the ground breaking ceremony for the construction of Jalan Batu Kawa-Jalan Stephen Yong project here today.

He stressed the long-term plan also includes widening Jalan Malihah in Matang to four lanes and constructing new road networks connecting Siburan, Kota Samarahan and Serian via Kampung Munggu Kopi to Gedong.

In addition, plans are underway to enhance the road network in Petra Jaya through connections to Jalan Matang, Telaga Air and the Bako-Buntal route to improve connectivity and access to new development areas.

"We already have data and plans up to 2030, and we are conducting traffic simulations and modelling to anticipate the locations of new residential developments that will require good road infrastructure connections," he added.

Meanwhile, according to the state Public Works Department, Jalan Batu Kawa to Jalan Stephen Yong project involves the construction of a 5.664-kilometre road built to U3 standards, comprising two lanes for two-way traffic.

The route, connecting the Batu Kawa-Matang Junction at Sungai Moyan to the Jalan Stephen Yong Junction, is expected to reduce traffic congestion along Jalan Batu Kawa-Kuching by up to 30 per cent upon completion.

The project, which commenced on 11 February 2026, is scheduled for completion on 10 February 2029.

The premier said Batu Kawa has the potential to be developed into an integrated urban centre similar to Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC), given its vast land area and existing facilities.

He said these advantages provide opportunities for more comprehensive development, positioning Batu Kawa as one of Kuching's emerging growth areas.

"Batu Kawa has ample space for development, along with facilities that can be developed under an integrated concept similar to KLCC," he added.

He said Batu Kawa has undergone significant transformation compared with its past, in line with Kuching's continued expansion into suburban areas.

Sarawak State Election: Dr Sim to defend his Batu Kawa seat, GPS chairman Abang Johari confirms

KUCHING, Nov 11 2026: Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) chairman Abang Johari Openg has confirmed that Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP) president Dr Sim Kui Hian will defend his Batu Bawa seat in next month's state election.

Caption: Premier Abang Johari Openg hints that Wilfred Yap (Kota Sentosa), Lo Khere Chiang (Batu Kitang) and Ding Kuong Hiing (Meradong) will defend their respect seats.

He made the confirmation at the ground breaking ceremony of Jalan Batu Kawa-Jalan Stephen Yong road project, costing RM207.88 million.

"The state has changed a lot, but don't change Dr Sim. I, as chairman of GPS, and we have discussed about it, Dr Sim must contest in Batu Kawa," he said.

"Only then the development that we have planned in Batu Kawa can be carried on," he said.

Abang Johari, who is also the premier, warned the people not to rock the boat "or else, it will sink", urging the people to continue to give their support to GPS.

He urged the people to reject the state DAP in Batu Bawa in the state election on Dec 12, 2026.

"We have a bright future ahead of us from now until 2030 and beyond," he said.

He said by 2030, Sarawak is targeting to become a high income economy, but "because we able to work together and we work hard, we have already becoming a high income region in 2022 as stated by the World Bank," he said.

The premier also hinted that Wilfred Yap (Kota Sentosa), Lo Khere Chiang (Batu Kitang) and Ding Kuong Hiing (Meradong) will defend their respect seats.

They were present at the grounding ceremony of the road project.

"Dont change them. They are the champions.

"There were people who talked about checks and balances. The fact is these people were scared of us winning all the 82 seats.

"It is true that we want to win all the seats," he said.

The road project involves the construction of a new 5.664-kilometer road, built to U3 standards with two lanes in each direction. It will connect the Batu Kawa–Matang junction (Sungai Moyan) to the Jalan Stephen Yong junction.

Key components of the project include the construction of two reinforced concrete (R.C.) bridges: one spanning 74.8 meters across Sungai Moyan, and another spanning 280.8 meters across the Sarawak River.

The project scope also encompasses the construction of culverts and drainage systems, the installation of street lighting, the development of signalized junctions and access roads, as well as the necessary relocation and protection of existing utility infrastructure.

The implementation of the project is expected to provide a more strategic alternative route for residents in Batu Kawa, Matang, and the surrounding areas, thereby helping to reduce reliance on existing routes. 

Based on the project plan, this new route has the potential to reduce traffic congestion on Jalan Batu Kawa–Kuching by up to 30 percent, while improving the fluidity of daily travel and enhancing accessibility for residents.

The provision of a more comprehensive road network is also expected to facilitate the movement of residents, increase the efficiency of the transport system, and strengthen connectivity between residential areas, business hubs, and new development zones.

The road project is scheduled for completion within 36 months.

Sarawak State Election: Give me your mandate so I can decide regarding your requests on foreign workers, caretaker premier tells Chinese business community

KUCHING, Nov 11 2026: Caretaker Premier Abang Johari Openg said he has no mandate to immediately approve requests concerning foreign worker procedures and immigration policies raised by the Chinese business community.

Caption: Caretaker Premier Abang Johari Openg says further decisions on the requests raised would require a renewed mandate, referring specifically to Kuching, Sibu and Miri.

He said although he was prepared to consider the matters raised, he was currently unable to give a definitive decision until after the state election.

“Much as I would like to say yes, I approve. But I don't have the mandate now. I cannot say yes nor can I say no. I have no mandate until 12 December,” he said at the Installation Dinner of the 20th Management Committee (2025–2028) of the Federation of Chinese Associations Sarawak last night.

Abang Johari was responding to issues raised by the federation's president Richard Wee on immigration policies and procedures involving foreign workers.

The premier said the Sarawak government was already providing five-year visas to expatriate professionals as part of its existing immigration arrangements.

“At the moment, we are giving five-year visas to expatriate professionals,” he said.

However, he stressed that further decisions on the requests raised would require a renewed mandate, referring specifically to Kuching, Sibu and Miri.

“If you want that mandate, you give me back your mandate, especially Kuching, Sibu and Miri. You give us back the mandate,” he said.

The premier also called for a stronger collaboration between the Sarawak government and the Chinese community, saying that it is essential to advancing the state's economic transformation while maintaining unity and stability across its diverse population.

He said the Federation of Chinese Associations Sarawak, played an important role as a bridge between the government and the people, particularly in ensuring the Chinese community's continued participation in Sarawak's development.

“Your association is a bridge between the public and the government, as well as to strengthen the collaboration between the Chinese community in particular and the general Sarawakian community with the government and the leaders in Sarawak,” he said.

Abang Johari said the close relationship between the government and Sarawak's diverse communities had contributed to the state's stability, allowing the administration to focus on development that benefited all communities.

“I am very fortunate that I have a very good relationship with the Chinese community, as much as my relationship with the other communities. So much so that Sarawak is stable and we can focus on our development for the benefit of every community in Sarawak,” he said.

The premier stressed that Sarawak's development policies must remain inclusive, providing opportunities for all communities to participate in the emerging economy regardless of their backgrounds.

He said the state's recognition of the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) and the extension of the Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES) to eligible UEC holders reflected its commitment to developing talent across all communities.

“We don't play race here because we want everybody to participate in the new era. So we recognise UEC,” he said.