Fadillah urges Sarawakians to unite for state's development
KUCHING (July 13): Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof has called on Sarawakians to remain united in both spirit and action to ensure the state's long-term development plans succeed.
He said while Sarawak has already laid out clear strategies for progress, its success ultimately depends on unity, political stability and the people's support.
'Although we already have strategic policies in place, they will only succeed if we are united in heart, united in action, and united in ensuring political stability. Everything else will follow naturally,' he said when speaking at the 'Majlis Perdana Kesenian dan Kebudayaan Peringkat Parlimen Petra Jaya 2025,' Dewan SDNU Siol Kandis here last night.
Fadillah, who is also Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (Petra) and Petra Jaya MP, said Sarawak is now regarded as one of the most advanced states in Malaysia in several key sectors.
'When it comes to hydrogen, we are ahead. Green ammonia — we're ahead. In renewable energy, we're ahead. In the digital economy, we're ahead. We are the only state with our own e-wallet platform, Sarawak Pay (now SPay Global); no other state has that.
'And when it comes to welfare assistance, there's no need to even mention it — we've done it. God willing, starting next year, tertiary education will be free for Sarawakians,' he said.
He attributed Sarawak's achievements to the commitment of its leadership and expressed hope that the state's progress would inspire other Malaysians, particularly in Peninsular Malaysia, to strive towards similar success.
Fadillah also shared that Sarawak continues to attract strong interest from foreign investors, thanks to its clear policies, business-friendly government, and the quality of its people.
Regarding the event, Fadillah said it served to celebrate Sarawak's rich cultural diversity, with a special focus on Dayak traditions in conjunction with the closing of the Gawai Dayak celebration organised by the Sarawak Dayak National Union (SDNU) Siol Branch.
He also asked representatives from the union to prepare the design and cost estimates for the installation of air-conditioning at Dewan SDNU Siol Kandis, as well as for the construction of a covered futsal court. The proposals are to be discussed with the Petra Jaya Parliamentary Service Centre before being presented next year for funding consideration.
Also present were Datuk Bandar of Kuching North City Commission (DBKU) Datuk Hilmy Othman, SDNU Siol Branch chairman Pani Igoh and other distinguished guests.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Straits Times
an hour ago
- New Straits Times
Malaysia to roll out regulatory reforms, other measures following US tariff deal
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia will roll out three key follow-up actions — an exporter outreach programme, regulatory reform and a nationwide supply chain mapping initiative — following the recent tariff renegotiation agreement with the United States which reduced tariffs on Malaysian goods from 25 per cent to 19 per cent. Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz said the agreement, effective Aug 1, was achieved after "months of intense but thorough as well as methodical negotiations". "Most importantly, we achieved this without conceding on our red lines in key areas," he said in his keynote address at The Edge Malaysia Centurion Club Awards 2025 here today. Tengku Zafrul said those red lines included foreign equity limits in strategic sectors, legal safeguards in digital companies, halal standards and many other areas. But the key point, he added, is that the negotiation package was a all-of-nation offer, not just the government, but all (Malaysians and Malaysian companies). With the tariff deal in effect, Tengku Zafrul said the government is focusing on three key areas, starting with an outreach programme to support industry players and exporters. "Some of you in this room may be impacted, but again we will engage the whole exporters' ecosystem — not just the multinationals, but all the small and medium enterprises that are supporting the major exporters," he said. Secondly, he said the government aims to accelerate industrial reforms by cutting bureaucracy and reviewing regulations to eliminate overlaps, outdated provisions and irrelevant processes. "Thirdly, we need to strengthen the resilience of our supply chain by fortifying specific industries' role in the global supply chain," he said. Tengku Zafrul said Malaysia is making good progress on a supply chain mapping project, which aims to identify every player involved in the economic activities of key industrial sectors. Meanwhile, he said Malaysia's mid-cap companies — defined as listed companies with a market capitalisation of between RM100 million and RM1 billion — remain critical to the country's growth ambition under the New Industrial Master Plan (NIMP) 2030. "For me and for our ministry, we view this award such as Centurion as one of the private sector's contributions to Malaysia's journey towards becoming a high-income, sustainable and globally competitive nation. "As of March 31, there are 519 such Centurions. And this speaks volumes about the vibrancy of Malaysia's mid-cap sector — a sector that is equally critical to our national economic aspirations," he said.
The Sun
3 hours ago
- The Sun
Urban biodiversity investments boost economy and community well-being
KUALA LUMPUR: Investment in urban biodiversity delivers economic gains while fostering environmental sustainability and improving community well-being, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof. He emphasised that sustainable urban development creates cleaner, greener spaces, elevating residents' quality of life and attracting investors and tourists. 'Urban biodiversity investments aren't just about financial returns. They benefit the environment and, ultimately, the people—cleaner air being one key outcome,' Fadillah told reporters after closing the Urban Biodiversity Conference (UBC) 2025 at Sime Darby Convention Centre. He noted that expanding green spaces and parks in cities aligns with sustainable development goals, enhancing social well-being. The conference, attended by Selangor's Raja Muda Tengku Amir Shah Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, promoted biodiversity integration in urban planning. Fadillah, also Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation, highlighted that eco-friendly developments increase property values. 'People pay more for homes in greener, healthier environments. This boosts returns for investors,' he added. Organised by Sime Darby Property, UBC 2025's theme, *'Coexistence: Shared Environments for Balance and Resilience'*, underscored cross-sector collaboration for sustainable urban growth. Earlier, Fadillah witnessed the signing of a five-year Urban Biodiversity Agreement between Sime Darby Property and the Tropical Rainforest Conservation and Research Centre (TRCRC) to advance conservation efforts in Bandar Elmina. - Bernama
The Sun
3 hours ago
- The Sun
Preserve national unity and peace for independence, urges Ewon
PENAMPANG: Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick has called on Malaysians, particularly in Sabah, to uphold the true meaning of independence by preserving unity, well-being, and peace. He emphasised that harmony and stability are crucial for sustainable national development and sovereignty. 'This all starts with cooperation, unity, and harmony because if the people are at odds with one another, unable to cooperate or be in harmony, how can national sovereignty be defended?' Ewon said after launching the Sabah Kembara Merdeka Jalur Gemilang 2025 convoy. The event, organised by the Sabah Information Department, involves 20 vehicles and 60 participants covering 2,500 kilometres across 75 locations in 20 days. The convoy began in Penampang and will conclude in Tuaran on Aug 23. Ewon encouraged Sabahans to join the 'One House, One Jalur Gemilang' initiative by displaying the national flag at their homes. He also highlighted the relevance of this year's National Day theme, 'Malaysia MADANI, Rakyat Disantuni,' aligning it with the 13th Malaysia Plan's goals of uplifting the people's dignity. 'I hope this theme reaches the grassroots. I am confident that the people understand what the government is doing, which is not only to care for them but also to champion and uplift their dignity,' he said. - Bernama
