“Sarawak White House” a symbol sound governance

KUCHING, 4 August 2025 – Sarawak's new administrative complex, soft launched today by the Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak, Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, together with the Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji, is popularly dubbed the “Sarawak White House” for its resemblance to the official residence of the US President. Its soft launch coincides with the Premier's 75th birthday.

The Premier said that the new complex would serve solely as a facility for government administration and not as a residence. Its primary purpose is to serve as the new administrative hub for the State government.

Security was reportedly a key motivator for the project. The current administrative hub, Wisma Bapa Malaysia, is open to the public, thus raising concerns about the safeguarding of sensitive government operations. The new complex offers a more controlled and secure environment for state-level governance.

The design of the new complex is also meant to symbolise Sarawak's aspirations for the future. The Premier said that its architecture reflects the State’s ambition to be a region that is defined by sound governance, strong institutions, and a global outlook.