Latest news with #SarawakDay
New Straits Times
23 minutes ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Abang Johari: Federal-state ties remain strong for Sarawak's progress
MIRI: Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg has reiterated that the close cooperation between the state and federal governments would continue in the common interests of both the country and Sarawak. He said the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government, which he leads, appreciates the cooperation currently enjoyed between the state and the federal government under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. "In fact, at the federal level, Sarawak is represented by a deputy prime minister, namely Datuk Sri Fadillah Yusof, in addition to other ministers from Sarawak," he said in his speech at the Sarawak Day celebration here yesterday. He expressed confidence that Sarawak's efforts to achieve greater prosperity would not undermine the wider national objective of advancing the country's overall development. He said the increase in Sarawak's revenue, particularly through the Sarawak Sales Tax (SST), would not diminish the country's revenue as the federal government has sufficient avenues to boost national income without burdening the people. Abang Johari said the GPS government would continue to fight for Sarawak's rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) through ongoing negotiations with Putrajaya. "Sarawak has successfully regained nine rights under MA63 and the GPS government will continue its efforts to restore all rights that have been eroded over the years," he said. He noted that Sarawak started as a state with many shortcomings and widespread poverty, especially in rural areas, during the formation of Malaysia. "Now we are grateful that Sarawak's economy has shown very encouraging growth," he said, adding that last year Sarawak recorded its highest ever revenue of RM14 billion compared to RM13.3 billion in 2023. He said this year he had presented the largest budget in Sarawak's history amounting to RM15.8 billion, opening up opportunities for a more inclusive economy. "Under the powers provided by the Federal Constitution, the state has begun to enjoy more of its oil and gas revenues through the SST imposed on petroleum products as well as through profit sharing between Petronas and Petros," he said. The premier said the World Bank had recognised Sarawak as a high-income region for three consecutive years since 2022 based on a Gross National Income (GNI) per capita of RM73,100 (US$17,000) in 2024, a figure that surpasses the threshold of RM63,800 (US$15,000) set by the bank. He said this status had placed Sarawak in fourth position after the Kuala Lumpur and Labuan and Penang, surpassing Selangor. He said the state government would continue to ensure Sarawak's resources are given added value through the creation of downstream industries, particularly in the oil and gas sector, guided by the long-term Sarawak Gas Roadmap (SGR). He expressed confidence that when fully implemented within 10 years the SGR would attract investments worth RM300 billion and generate RM120 billion in output from the product and service chain. "New industries will also be created, especially in the renewable energy sector, to generate up to 15,000 megawatts of energy by 2035, not only for domestic consumption but also for export to Asean countries," he said.
New Straits Times
7 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.
Borneo Post
9 hours ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Unable to join Miri festivities, GPS MPs celebrate Sarawak Day in KL with taste of home
(From left), Hanifah, Fadillah, Nanta and Nancy joined by the other GPS MPs in waving the Sarawak flags. – Photo via Facebook/Alexander Nanta Linggi KUCHING (July 22): Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) MPs gathered at the Parliament building in Kuala Lumpur today for an informal celebration to mark Sarawak Day. Unable to be in Miri for the official festivities due to the ongoing Dewan Rakyat sitting, the MPs instead came together over a spread of Sarawakian dishes to honour their shared heritage and identity. Minister of Works and GPS secretary-general, Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi, said the gathering was a meaningful way to celebrate Sarawak Day, even while fulfilling their parliamentary duties. 'Sometimes, the most meaningful moments are created at the dining table. 'More than just food, today's gathering reflects our bond as one big 'anak Sarawak' family,' Nanta shared in a Facebook post. Among the local favourites served were Sarawak laksa, mee kolok, nasi goreng dabai, and kuih penyaram. Present at the gathering were Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, and Deputy Economy Minister Datuk Hanifah Hajar Taib. alexander nanta linggi gps Mps parliament sarawak day
Borneo Post
11 hours ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Sabah should emulate Sarawak's unity in asserting rights, says Kitingan
Kitingan speaks during the Sarawak Independence Day Cultural Parade 722 today. – Photo by Roystein Emmor BAU (July 22): Sabah Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Jeffrey Kitingan has lauded Sarawak's political unity and maturity, saying it stands as a model for Sabah to emulate in asserting its rights within the Malaysian Federation. Speaking at the Sarawak Independence Day Cultural Parade 722 at Tasik Biru here today, Kitingan praised Sarawak's cohesive political front and strong leadership, which he said have enabled the state to engage more confidently with Putrajaya. 'I am in awe of how Sarawak has united its political front and this unity has allowed Sarawak to assert itself with greater confidence and clarity in its negotiations with Putrajaya. That is something we in Sabah can and must emulate. 'Malaysia even has a Deputy Prime Minister from Sarawak now, resulting from that unity,' he said. Kitingan, who is also Borneo Dayak Forum (BDF) president, reminded attendees of the historical significance of July 22, 1963 – the day Sarawak was granted self-government by the British – ahead of the formation of Malaysia on September 16 that year. He also highlighted the symbolic meaning behind the identity card numbers beginning with '12' for Sabah and '13' for Sarawak, calling them more than mere administrative codes. 'These numbers are a reminder of our unique positions in the formation of Malaysia. We must not forget that Sarawak and Sabah were both colonies before the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) was signed. 'We must not forget that Sarawak and Sabah were both colonies before the Malaysia Agreement was signed. The journey to nationhood was not straightforward, but what is clear is that we were meant to be equal partners in the Federation and not just another pair of states. 'Malaysia was supposed to be a federation of equals consisting of Sabah, Sarawak, and Malaya, but what transpired was a gradual erosion of that status. That's why we must strive to restore what was agreed upon under the MA63,' he said. He also commended Sarawak's leaders for their boldness in pushing for recognition of Sarawak Day as a public holiday and for continuing to assert their constitutional rights peacefully. He said Sarawak's ability to host cultural events like today's parade, complete with traditional costumes and visible expressions of state pride, should serve as a platform for unity — not just for Sarawak, but for all Borneans. 'I am grateful to the Sarawak leadership and to Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, known affectionately as Abang Jo by Sarawakians. Their example shows that when we come together and speak with one voice, even federal leaders will listen. 'We are one people of Borneo, so let us use Sarawak Day as a platform to unite not just Sarawakians, but all Dayaks and Borneans. This solidarity will strengthen our position in Malaysia,' he said. Kitingan also expressed hope that Sabah would soon celebrate its own historical milestones with equal pride. He invited Sarawakian leaders and friends to join in celebrating Sabah Day in Kota Kinabalu next month. 'I hope one day Sabah and Sarawak will fully regain our rightful roles as founding partners in Malaysia, as envisioned in the Malaysia Agreement. Let us continue working together, side by side, as equals,' he said. asserting rights Jeffrey Kitingan lead MA63 sabah Sarawak
Borneo Post
12 hours ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Sarawak's achievements reflect clear vision of GPS govt, says Awang Tengah
In his Sarawak Day message, Awang Tengah says the state's progress reflects the government's clear direction and firm commitment to ensuring that Sarawak's voice is heard and its rights upheld. KUCHING (July 22): Sarawak's recent achievements are the result of the strong and visionary leadership of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan. In his Sarawak Day message, Awang Tengah said the state's progress reflects the government's clear direction and firm commitment to ensuring that Sarawak's voice is heard and its rights upheld. 'We will continue to ensure that rights of Sarawak are safeguarded and strengthened in line with the Federal Constitution, Sarawak Constitution, the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), and the Inter-Governmental Committee (IGC) Report,' he said. He also called on all Sarawakians, especially the youths, to continue supporting the state's development agenda. He said Sarawak stands tall today due to the unity of its people, regardless of race, religion or culture. 'This harmony is our greatest asset and must be protected,' he said. achievements Awang Tengah GPS leadership sarawak day
