Latest news with #AbangJohariOpeng
New Straits Times
5 hours ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Free tertiary education in Sarawak modelled on Nordic, German models
MIRI: Sarawak's free tertiary education (SFTE) initiative is modelled after Nordic countries like Norway and Finland, said Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg. He said these countres, along with Germany, are known worldwide for their high and robust economic growth. "That is why we model our free tertiary education initiative on the free education systems of these countries," he said at a townhall during the Sarawak Day celebration here. "We want our students to have the latest knowledge for the state's future," he said. He said the goal is to replicate the economic growth seen in those countries. The SFTE initiative will begin next year at five state-owned institutions: Swinburne University of Technology in Kuching, Curtin University of Technology in Miri, University Technology Sarawak in Sibu, I-Cats College University in Kuching and Centre of Technological Excellence Sarawak in Kuching. He said the state has no plans to extend SFTE to Sarawakians at federal universities. The initiative is limited to Sarawakians enrolled at the five state-run universities. "If we want to expand to other universities, they are financed by the federal government. We don't want to interfere with what the federal government is doing," he said. Abang Johari said applications to state-owned institutions are not subject to UPU criteria set by the higher education ministry. He cited many cases where students applying for an engineering course were instead diverted to study an arts subject. He added that students with the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) from Chinese schools will be accepted if they meet entry requirements, and even those from poor families can pursue higher education in state-run institutions.
New Straits Times
a day ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Sarawak Day: Wan Junaidi calls on Sarawakians to work with govt for a better future
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.
Free Malaysia Today
5 days ago
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
Silent rivalry brewing in Sarawak over premiership?
There is no conflict between Sarawak premier Abang Johari Openg and his deputy Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, says PBB information chief Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah. KUCHING : A quiet leadership contest is said to be brewing in Sarawak, as factions aligned with Premier Abang Johari Openg and his deputy Awang Tengah Ali Hasan begin positioning themselves ahead of a potential battle that could shape the state's future direction. A source told FMT on condition of anonymity that the succession issue could trigger intensive political manoeuvring in the months ahead, with the next state election slated for 2026. Known as a 'blue blood' in Sarawak politics, Abang Johari, son of the state's first governor Abang Openg Sapiee, commands strong support among rural voters and delegates from Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB), which he leads, according to the source. The source also said Abang Johari also has the support of the state's civil service, having aggressively pursued infrastructure development, digital economy initiatives and autonomy over state revenue, which flows through government machinery. 'Civil servants benefit from these policies through job security, promotions and increased budgets for projects,' the source added. Abang Johari, who turns 75 this year, took over as chief minister in 2017 after Adenan Satem's death. He was officially redesignated as premier in February 2022. Awang Tengah, 61, is seen by some as a charismatic leader, with the source saying that he also commands significant grassroots support and is an efficient administrator of state development projects. 'When people bring up issues with him, he sorts them out quickly,' he said of the PBB senior vice-president. Awang Tengah is the state's second minister for natural resources and urban development as well as its international trade and investment minister. 'Both have their supporters, but at the moment Abang Johari holds an advantage,' the source said. No such thing, says PBB info chief Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah. PBB information chief Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah however dismissed talk of a power struggle, saying PBB's top two leaders were not competing against each other. 'I know both of them. They are close with one another,' he told FMT, insisting that there was no move by the premier's subordinates to bring him down. 'From my own experience in PBB, when the party decides to drop you as a candidate, you accept it wholeheartedly,' said Karim.
Free Malaysia Today
5 days ago
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
Amanah Saham Sarawak declares final dividend of 3 sen
Sarawak premier Abang Johari Openg after announcing Amanah Saham Sarawak's final dividend for the 2025 financial year. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA : Amanah Saham Sarawak's (Assar) total dividend distribution for the 2025 financial year amounted to RM28.76 million, after declaring a final dividend of three sen per unit for the financial year ended June 30. Sarawak premier Abang Johari Openg said today the final dividend would see a payout of RM14.52 million, which will benefit some 57,870 investors, The Borneo Post reported. The final dividend of three sen per unit follows an interim dividend of the same amount distributed in January. Abang Johari said the cumulative total dividend distribution post-restructuring has reached RM42.33 million, describing it as 'proof of prudent and forward-looking investment management'. He said the fund remains stable and resilient despite the heightened global market volatility, spurred by trade tensions following US president Donald Trump's announcement of reciprocal tariffs, as well as the conflict in the Middle East. 'While the net asset value also experienced fluctuations in line with the market, volatility was well managed thanks to prudent and disciplined asset allocation strategies,' he was quoted as saying. Amanah Saham Sarawak CEO Norlia Madon said Assar recorded a gross income of RM38.39 million for FY2025. The total comprised RM16.35 million from interest on fixed-income securities, RM13.96 million in capital gains from equity disposals, RM5.15 million in equity dividends, and RM2.93 million from money market instruments and capital gains on fixed-income securities. She said that after deducting RM5.70 million in expenses, the net income stood at RM32.69 million.
The Star
6 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Amanah Saham Sarawak declares final dividend of three sen per unit
KUCHING: State-owned unit trust fund Amanah Saham Sarawak (Assar) has declared a final dividend of three sen per unit for the financial year ending June 30, 2025 (FY2025). Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg ( pic ) said the distribution involved a total payout of RM14.52mil to 57,870 investors based on their holdings as of June 30. He said this brought the total dividend distribution for the year to six sen per unit, after an interim dividend of three sen per unit was distributed in January this year. "This is good news for Assar investors and I hope it will encourage the bumiputra community in Sarawak to keep investing," he said when announcing the dividend here on Wednesday (July 16). For FY2025, Assar recorded a gross income of RM38.39mil. After deducting expenses of RM5.7mil, its net income stood at RM32.69mil, with RM26.52mil available for distribution. "The remaining RM12mil in undistributed income will be retained as reserves for future distributions," Abang Johari said. He also announced that Assar was launching a mobile office to enhance accessibility to investors outside Kuching, especially those in remote areas. The mobile office will travel to smaller towns and rural communities, offering services such as opening accounts, processing investments, updating investors' information and handling enquiries. "I hope this initiative will be maintained and expanded. "We want to see innovative service delivery in Sarawak, especially in rural areas, to make it more inclusive, people-friendly and efficient," Abang Johari said.
