Sarawak Premier celebrates 9 golden years of leadership
- BT
- 13 minutes ago
- 3 min read
KUCHING, 13 January 2026: 2026 marks 9 years since Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg was entrusted with the responsibility of leading Sarawak, 9 years that are defined by volatility, from economic uncertainty and geopolitical tensions to rapid technological change, climate pressures and an unprecedented global pandemic that tested governments across the world – regardless of size or ideology.
“Since Yang Amat Berhormat Premier took on the position in 2017, Sarawak has seen tremendous growth. We have achieved extraordinary accomplishments, overcame challenges and experienced countless memories – both the joys and the sorrows,” said the Sarawak State Secretary, Datuk Amar Haji Mohamad Abu Bakar bin Marzuki in his welcoming remarks during the ‘Amanat Perdana 2026’ Special Mandate ceremony held earlier today at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK).
“In 2026, the Sarawak Civil Service will be focusing on strengthening institutional capacity and administrative infrastructure. This strategic move will not only support but also catalyse a high-performance working culture within the public service,” he added.
According to Datuk Amar Haji Mohamad Abu Bakar, high-impact projects set to be implemented in 2026 include the Sarawak Civil Service Leadership Institute campus, the Integrated Government Administration Centres in Bintulu, Limbang and Lawas as well as the Lundu District Office and Sungai Asap Small District Office. Meanwhile, a total of 35 District Office and Government Administration Centres have been approved, and 66 sites across Sarawak have been identified for the construction of government quarters.
“Today, we celebrate the 9th anniversary of YAB Abang Jo in the Office of the Premier of Sarawak. When he assumed office in January 2017, Sarawak faced real challenges – financial constraints, infrastructural gaps, challenges from political & economic uncertainties, and the erosion of Sarawak rights. Through strategic & innovative planning, he created effective solutions to each issue, all of which reflects his vast political wisdom and experience,” shared Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas in his speech. “History will praise YAB Abang Jo not merely as a leader of his time but as a brilliant statesman who prepared Sarawak for an era beyond his own.”
During his address, the Premier shared that we are entering the second phase of the Post-COVID Development Strategy 2030, anchored by the Sarawak 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP). While the earlier phase of PCDS 2030 is focused on restoring fiscal strength, strengthening institutions and establishing policy frameworks, this phase is all about converting readiness into tangible results that Sarawakians can see, measure and experience.
“The period from 2026 to 2027 will focus on acceleration, including fast-tracking implementation-ready projects, resolving bottlenecks, mobilising strengthening delivery coordination. investment and the period from 2028 to 2030 will focus on consolidation and harvest, scaling successful initiatives, embedding reforms and ensuring that economic and social benefits are widely shared,” he added.
The Premier described 2026 as a defining year for delivery, as Sarawak has spent the past years putting in place the strategies, institutions and financing mechanisms required for long-term development. To the 5,300 civil servants present at the ceremony earlier today, he called for the decisive movement of implementation-ready projects, the quick resolution of bottleneck issues arising from overlapping processes, excessive risk aversion or unclear authority, as well as explicit accountability for outcomes.
“The path has been set. The sources have been laid out and our institutions have been fortified. What we need now is a bold, disciplined and consistent implementation by everyone involved in shaping Sarawak’s future,” said the Premier. “With guidance by the Sarawak 13MP as an implementation framework and the ‘Segulai Sejalai’ spirit, let’s step forward with a renewed sense of commitment and ensure that every step we take will not only benefit the lives of Sarawakians, but also leave a lasting impact on the future generations.”
Today’s event also saw the launching of the ‘Greening Transformation: Sarawak 2030 & Beyond’ book, which discusses in-depth analysis on the governance landscape and strategic policies under the Premier’s leadership. Fully printed on recycled paper, the book is a follow-up to the ‘Sarawak and Transformation’ book.
