Proficiency in Mandarin among multi-ethnic communities can expand Sarawak's economic network, says premier

KUCHING, Nov 10 2026: Premier Abang Johari Openg believed that proficiency in Mandarin among the multi-ethnic communities has the potential to unlock more trade opportunities and expand Sarawak’s economic network, particularly with nations that utilize the language.

Caption: Premier Abang Johari Openg says that the mastery of the Mandarin language should not be confined to a single ethnic group; rather, it can be leveraged by the entire Sarawakian society to enhance their capacity to interact within the international economic landscape.

He said the ability to communicate in Mandarin serves as an advantage in building economic ties with international markets.

“Therefore, when members of the Bumiputera community are able to speak Mandarin, effective communication can be established—especially in the economic sphere—should you wish to sell your products,” he said at the installation and dinner of the Federation of Chinese Associations Sarawak (FCAS) tonight.

He said mastery of the language should not be confined to a single ethnic group; rather, it can be leveraged by the entire Sarawakian society to enhance their capacity to interact within the international economic landscape.

He also touched upon the growing participation of Bumiputera students in Chinese-medium schools, noting that this creates opportunities for a broader segment of the population to attain proficiency in Mandarin.

He emphasized the importance of strengthening the education system to cultivate a society equipped with the skills and knowledge aligned with current economic demands.

The premier also stressed that Sarawak’s stability has enabled the government to focus on the development agenda, ensuring that the benefits of progress are enjoyed by the entire community, regardless of racial background.

He said the harmonious relations and close cooperation among the multi-racial society form the foundation for the stability that allows for the continuous implementation of state development.

“This situation enables Sarawak to remain stable, allowing us to focus on the state’s development for the benefit of every community in Sarawak,” he said.

Acording to him, Sarawak’s development approach does not discriminate based on racial background; instead, it creates opportunities for all communities to participate in the state’s economic development and progress.

He emphasized the importance of inter-racial cooperation to ensure that society can move forward together in navigating economic shifts and an increasingly challenging global landscape.

Also present were Deputy Premier Dr Sim Kui Hian and FCAS president Richard Wee.

Sarawak State Election: I am "contesting" in all the 82 seats, Abang Johari declares in response to a reporter's question

KUCHING, Nov 10 2026: Premier Abang Johari Openg declared he will be 'contesting' in all the 82 State Legislative Assembly (SLA) seats in the Dec 12 state election, in a response to a question if he would be switching to Demak Laut from Gedong.

Caption: Premier and GPS chairman Abang Johari Openg, in the 2021 state election, switched to Gedong from Satok, which he had held since 1981.

"I, as GPS chairman, am contesting in all 82 seats," he said briefly when met by reporters after attending the Sarawak State Form Six Student Leadership and Empowerment Convention 2026 today.

The statement was made when he was asked to comment on the possibility of contesting in the Demak Laut seat which includes the Tanjung Embang area, the location of the proposed development of a deep-sea port and a new international airport.

The strategic development in Tanjung Embang also includes planning infrastructure related to artificial intelligence (AI) as part of efforts to strengthen Sarawak's economic growth and future development.

He said GPS's decision to field candidates in all 82 seats reflects the leadership responsibility he shouldered with each of candidates in facing the election.

In the 2021 state election, he switched to Gedong from Satok, which he had held since 1981.

The Election Commission (EC)has set November 28 as nomination day and December 12 as  polling day for the 13th Sarawak state election.

Government officials must ensure that any information generated by AI is verified for accuracy and reliability, says Dr Sim

KUCHING, Nov  10 2026: Deputy Premier Dr Sim Kui Hian  has reminded government officials to ensure that any information generated by AI is verified for accuracy and reliability before it is used as a basis for preparing policy papers, financial assessments, technical reports, or administrative proposals.

Caption: Deputy Premier Dr Sim Kui Hian says the use of AI within the Sarawak public service must be anchored on the principles of integrity, transparency, and accountability to ensure the technology is utilized responsibly to enhance the efficiency of government service delivery.

He said heads of departments and senior officials must ensure that the use of such technology within their respective organisations complies with established policies and security requirements, while also fostering greater AI literacy among civil servants.

“Officials must validate the accuracy and reliability of such information before utilizing it as a foundation for official decision-making processes,” he said at the 2026 Integrity Day celebration of the Ministry of Public Health, Housing and Local Government (MPHLG) here today.

He said the use of artificial intelligence (AI) within the Sarawak public service must be anchored on the principles of integrity, transparency, and accountability to ensure the technology is utilized responsibly to enhance the efficiency of government service delivery.

He said while AI offers significant opportunities for improving efficiency and innovation, its deployment also introduces governance risks, including information manipulation, data leaks, algorithmic bias, and potential misuse in decision-making processes.

“AI should strengthen the public service’s capacity to make decisions based on accurate information; however, the responsibility for those decisions remains with the officials and authorities entrusted to make them,” he said.

In a related development, he noted that the ministry is also prioritising the strengthening of institutional integrity through the implementation of an Organizational Anti-Corruption Strategy (OACS), aimed at identifying corruption risks and addressing weaknesses in administrative procedures. 

Areas requiring attention, such as procurement, contract management, finance, licensing, and enforcement, are potentially exposed to the risks of corruption or conflicts of interest.

He emphasized that the responsibility for upholding integrity does not rest solely with the Integrity Unit and the Ombudsman; rather, it must be borne by all levels of organizational leadership, including department heads, senior officials, and division heads.

At the same time, he encouraged local authorities (PBTs) to continue efforts toward the digitalization of services, as well as the integration of existing systems and applications, to support the implementation of the Sarawak Digital Economy Plan 2030. 

Sarawak offers various advantages to investors, says premier

KUCHING, Nov 10 2026: Sarawak is offering various advantages to international investors, including a strategic location, an energy supply at competitive tariff rates, and talent development through the state’s education policy, Premier  Abang Johari Openg told a business forum today.

Caption: Premier Abang Johari Openg stresses anyone looking to invest in a particular region naturally wants to ensure their investment yields a profit. 

He said these factors are key considerations for investors seeking to ensure long-term returns and profitability on their investments.

He stressed Sarawak holds advantages in terms of location and energy, and offers the lowest electricity tariff rates in the region—a major draw for investors.

“Anyone looking to invest in a particular region naturally wants to ensure their investment yields a profit. That is the primary consideration, as no one wishes to invest in an unprofitable venture.

“Sarawak possesses various advantages that can help investors generate profit. So, why not come and invest in Sarawak?” he asked while participating in a ‘Fireside Chat’ at the Standard Chartered, Invest Sarawak British-Malaysia Chamber of Commerce (BMCC) Industrial Transition Forum  today.

He added investors must also evaluate the total cost of project implementation, including financing, loan interest rates, and operational models—to ensure the long-term viability of their investments.

He noted talent development is a key factor prioritized by prospective investors, alongside the availability of energy and water supplies.

He explained that Sarawak’s education policy is designed to produce a skilled workforce proficient in modern technology, capable of meeting the demands of new industries and the emerging economy.

“Based on my discussions with potential investors, they are not only attracted by the energy and water supply in Sarawak, but they also view the state’s education policy as a distinct advantage.

“This is because Sarawak is capable of providing a skilled workforce that has mastered modern technology,” he explained.

Long Serian, Ulu Baram areas have potential to be developed into an agrifood production hub, says Gerawat

MIRI, Nov 10 2026: Coffee cultivation has the potential to become a new source of income for the communities in Long Seridan and Ulu Baram through the production of value-added downstream products, planned in accordance with market demand.

Caption: Deputy Minister Gerawat Gala (centre) showing the dried coffee beans at the ‘Agriculture Community Outreach’ (AgriCOP) 2026 programme

Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring) Gerawat Gala said beyond coffee, cash crops such as cassava, sweet potatoes, maize, chillies, and ginger also hold the potential to generate income if cultivated in a structured and planned manner.

However, he said the agricultural approach must shift from merely growing crops to a strategy that accounts for market requirements, production volume, and the potential for product processing.

“Our approach needs to evolve—moving away from simply planting crops and then searching for buyers, toward a more strategic plan: identifying the market first, then planning production, and creating products that meet market demands,” he said at the ‘Agriculture Community Outreach’ (AgriCOP) 2026 programme here on Monday.

He believed Long Seridan and Ulu Baram areas also possess the potential to be developed into an agrifood production hub, encompassing wet-padi cultivation, fruit and vegetable farming, and livestock activities.

He also encouraged the youth to venture into the agricultural sector by leveraging modern technology and digital marketing, thereby enhancing competitiveness and creating business opportunities based on local produce.

He expressed his hope that the Sarawak Department of Agriculture and relevant agencies would continue to provide guidance and monitoring, ensuring that the knowledge gained by participants can be effectively applied to their agricultural endeavours.