Unity and cooperation key to Sarawak's future, says Head of State
KUCHING (July 21): Sarawakians are urged to continue staying united and working closely with the government to secure a more glorious future for the state.
In making this call, Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar noted that Sarawak's economy has shown strong resilience after the pandemic and is now ready to leap onto the global stage in the fields of green energy and digital.
'This progress will 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 Sarawak Day 2025 message today.
He hailed Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg as a capable leader who steers Sarawak toward progress through the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030, focusing on digital economic growth, renewable energy development including green hydrogen, bioeconomy, as well as investment in education and innovation.
Wan Junaidi described July 22, 1963 as an important symbol of the identity of Sarawakians.
He recalled that the British Colonial administration, on that day, agreed to establish 'Self-Government' in Sarawak and appointed the late Tan Sri Datuk Amar Stephen Kalong Ningkan as the Chief Minister of Sarawak and formed his own cabinet to take over the administration from the British.
'This event was an important initial step in Sarawak's preparation to join (in) the formation of Malaysia with Sabah, Singapore and Malaya. This handover of power took place before Sarawak officially became part of the Federation of Malaysia 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. We remember the early pioneers such as Tan Sri Datuk Amar Stephen Kalong Ningkan and Dato Sri Tawi Sli, who played an important roles in shaping our own administration,' he said.
He also expressed his appreciation to former chief ministers including the late Tun Datuk Patinggi Abdul Rahman Ya'kub, the late Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud and the late Pehin Sri Adenan Satem for their great contributions to the development of Sarawak.
Wan Junaidi also called for the spirit of unity and harmony to be maintained, for it is the pillar of Sarawak's stability and progress.
'May this Sarawak Day 2025 further inflame the love for the state, and serve as an encouragement for us to continue moving forward with confidence and unity,' he said. lead Sarawak Day message 2025 Tun Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar
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