
Premier: Miri symbolises Sarawak's progress and harmony
KUCHING (July 21): Miri stands as a symbol of Sarawak's development and multicultural harmony, reflecting the state's progress and unity, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
In a statement posted on the Sarawakku Facebook page in conjunction with the Sarawak Day 2025 celebration, the Premier described Miri not only as an economic hub but also as a reflection of Sarawak's strength in diversity, built on the foundations of its oil and gas industry.
'It symbolises the progress of our state and the harmony among our multiracial communities,' he added in a statement shared via the Sarawakku Facebook page today in conjunction with the Sarawak Day 2025 celebration.
He also revealed that this year's Sarawak Day celebration carries the theme 'Sarawak Maju Makmur' (Progressive and Prosperous Sarawak), underscoring the government's commitment to strengthening ties between the state and its people across all ethnic backgrounds.
He thus stressed that unity among Sarawakians is the cornerstone for sustainable development as Sarawak moves toward becoming a high-income and developed region by 2030 while also praising Sarawak's long-standing racial and religious harmony, urging the people to preserve this legacy as a source of strength and identity.
The Premier also reaffirmed the Sarawak government's commitment to implementing the Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, aimed at achieving inclusive socio-economic growth.
'The Sarawak government will continue pushing forward the digital economy, artificial intelligence (AI), environmental sustainability, and the development of core sectors such as oil and gas, tourism, modern agriculture, and plantations,' he said.
On education, he announced that beginning next year, the Sarawak government will provide free tertiary education in selected fields at state-owned universities to reduce the financial burden on families and promote equal access to higher learning.
Abang Johari further reiterated Sarawak's determination to uphold its rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), calling on Sarawakians to remain united in support of this cause.
'May Sarawak continue to progress, prosper, and stand as a model of harmony in Malaysia. Happy Sarawak Day 2025,' he concluded in the Facebook post.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


New Straits Times
10 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Urging Anwar to step down not beneficial to political stability
DARO: Demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is futile and does not contribute to the nation's political stability, said Sarawak Tourism, Creative Industries and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah. Karim said the nation should allow the prime minister to govern and carry out the duties he was elected to perform, Sarawak television network TVS reported. "When it comes to elections, all sorts of things happen. "If he has been appointed and elected, give him the opportunity to finish his term of service. "You cannot demand the resignation of someone over small mistakes. That cannot be done," he was reported as saying during his speech officiating the 2025 Daro Festival today. Nonetheless, he assured that the rally which took place in Kuala Lumpur yesterday did not threaten Sarawak's stability and thanked Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg for ensuring the state's development remained on track. "He has managed to increase the state's revenue from RM6 billion to RM14 billion, with an annual budget of RM15.8 billion, the highest compared to several other states in Malaysia. "We are going one step further as we prepare to launch our own airline and provide free higher education funding for Sarawakians. "In fact, a special Sovereign Fund of RM8 billion has been set aside to secure the future of generations to come," he said.


Daily Express
18 hours ago
- Daily Express
Don't let others decide: Masidi
Published on: Sunday, July 27, 2025 Published on: Sun, Jul 27, 2025 By: Jonathan Nicholas Text Size: Masidi (centre) with Gagasan Rakyat Youth and Women members at the assembly. Kota Kinabalu: Sabahans must be like Sarawakians and learn to think independently as well as stop relying on external influence if they want to progress. Gagasan Rakyat Deputy Chairman Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun told delegates attending the party's AGM at SICC, Saturday, that Sabahans must embrace not just physical freedom but mental independence as true sovereignty lies in the mindset, not just in votes. 'We're not just talking about land, borders, or who governs. Mental independence is even more important. We need to think for ourselves, based on our own Sabah identity. Not follow what outsiders tell us what is right. 'Sabah must no longer wait for outsiders to guide or dictate our future. We have to love this land enough to shape it ourselves with our own values, our own rhythm, our own voice,' he said. Quoting the Sabah anthem 'Sabah Tanah Airku, merdeka sepanjang masa', Masidi said the lyrics still hold meaning today and represent the vision of past Sabah leaders, a vision that must be revived and defended. 'Sabahans often compare the state with Sarawak, admiring its political stability, development pace and unity. But for Sabah to reach that level the people must first shift their mentality and attitudes. 'If we want to be like Sarawak, then we must think and act like Sarawakians. 'Prioritise political stability. Prioritise continuity. In Sabah, our biggest issue is frequent government changes,' he said. Masidi pointed out that while Sarawak is only on its sixth Premier, Sabah has already had 16 Chief Ministers which is evidence of how unstable the political climate has been over the decades. He supported proposals to limit the Chief Minister's term to two terms, a reform already implemented at the federal level, saying it would allow for leadership renewal and prevent over-concentration of power. The idea has been informally agreed to by the state Cabinet, but requires further legislative support. 'The Cabinet agrees in principle. But whether we have the two-thirds majority in the State Assembly to pass it, that's another matter. Still, we believe it's the right direction. 'Such frequent changes make it difficult to focus on long-term plans, solve core infrastructure issues, or implement consistent development. 'Every time we change governments, it takes time to start over. So how can we truly move forward when we're always going back to square one?' he said. He said Sabah has enough resources, talent, and potential but what's lacking is the willingness to work together without ego. He noted that political players in the state are too often focused on winning for themselves, instead of for the people. 'This is the problem. Everyone wants to win, but not everyone wants to get their hands dirty. If politics here remains a game of who must win and who must lose, we will never be united and Sabah will always be stuck in the same cycle.' Masidi described this mindset as toxic and said it is time for Sabah's political culture to mature, move away from narrow personal interests and focus on collective state building. Responding to questions about whether party components are ready to unite ahead of the coming state election, he said now is the time to stop petty quarrels and start thinking like a team. 'Politics shouldn't be about who's more powerful, it should be about who's more willing to work,' he said. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia


Borneo Post
a day ago
- Borneo Post
97 Miri groups receive RM601,100 in MRP grants to boost community development
Lee (second left) presents an MRP cheque for Musolla Al-Azhar of Lutong Fire Station, received by station chief Henry Jugah. MIRI (July 26): A total of 97 non-government organisations (NGO), associations, religious bodies, and clubs here have been awarded Minor Rural Project (MRP) grants amounting to RM601,100. The grants were presented by Sarawak Transport Minister and Senadin assemblyman, Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin, during a two-session ceremony today, due to the high number of recipients. In his speech, Lee emphasised the importance of unity and inclusivity, urging all people – regardless of race or background – to work together as one community. 'Unity among all Sarawakians is the most important factor in driving the state's continued development and prosperity,' he said. 'Whether you are Penan, Kelabit, Orang Ulu, Indian, Malay, or Chinese; if you are born and live here, you are Sarawakian,' he added. Lee noted that the MRP grants are meant to complement existing government programmes, particularly in promoting unity and creating more job and business opportunities. He also praised Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg for the state's ongoing infrastructure transformation, citing the successful completion of 16 bridges statewide. 'We now have 16 completed bridges fully funded by the Sarawak government – no more ferries, even long bridges over one kilometre have been built,' Lee said. He also announced that a 17th bridge has been approved for Miri, stretching 1,850 metres from Miri Golf Club to the Miri City Council area. 'Miri tidak kalah lah (Miri is not left behind),' Lee quipped. 'I told our Premier that Bintulu has its iconic bridge, so Miri deserves one too.' Lee also thanked the residents of Miri for their support in making the recent Sarawak Day celebration a success. 'All the events went smoothly with the cooperation of everyone. Well done to the people of Miri,' he said.