Sarawak Day: Wan Junaidi calls on Sarawakians to work with govt for a better future

New Straits Times

6 days ago

KUCHING: Sarawak Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar called on Sarawakians to remain united and work with the government and private sector to build a more glorious future for the state.
He said progress could not happen without close cooperation between the government, the people and the private sector.
"The government provides policies and infrastructure, the private sector is the driver of investment and the people are the supporters of development aspirations," he said in his message for Sarawak Day tomorrow.
He praised the leadership of Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg, who is leading Sarawak towards progress through the Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy, which focuses on digital economic growth, renewable energy development, including green hydrogen, digital economy, as well as investment in education and innovation.
He said Sarawak's economy has shown strong resilience post-pandemic and is poised to soar on the global stage in green energy and the digital economy.
On Sarawak Day, he described July 22, 1963 as an important symbol of the identity of the people of Sarawak.
He said on that day, the British colonial administration granted self-government to Sarawak and appointed Tan Sri Stephen Kalong Ningkan as the first chief minister, allowing him to form a cabinet.
"This event was an important initial step in Sarawak's preparation to form the Federation of Malaysia with Sabah, Singapore and Malaya."
He said the British colonial administration handed over power to Sarawak before the Federation of Malaysia was formed on Sept 16, 1963.
"This event was the starting point for the formation of Sarawak's identity as a sovereign state within the Federation of Malaysia."
Wan Junaidi urged Sarawakians to remember the services of past leaders who paved the way, such as Stephen and Datuk Sri Tawi Sli, who played important roles in forming their own administrations.
He thanked former chief ministers the late Tun Abdul Rahman Ya'kub, the late Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud and the late Tan Sri Pehin Sri Adenan Satem for their great contributions to the development of Sarawak.