SIBU – A townhall session held in conjunction with Hari Sarawak 2026 at Universiti Teknologi Sarawak (UTS) has underscored the state’s long-term vision for prosperity and inclusivity.
The event, which took place at Dewan Canselor Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud, brought together more than 1,000 participants, including students, government representatives, community leaders and non-governmental organisations.
The programme featured an interactive dialogue with Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg, moderated by Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Corporate Affairs, Information and UKAS), Datuk Abdullah Saidol.
The session provided a platform for the Premier to outline Sarawak’s developmental trajectory and reinforce the aspirations behind the Sarawak Maju Makmur agenda.
Abang Johari reflected on the state’s progress since gaining self-governance in 1963, emphasising the importance of strengthening Sarawak’s financial position.
He explained that the government is committed to diversifying revenue streams to ensure sustainable growth and to safeguard the state’s ability to deliver long-term development projects.
The Premier also highlighted the significance of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), urging younger generations, particularly those born after the formation of Malaysia, to understand its provisions and spirit.
“Pemahaman terhadap sejarah, kandungan dan peruntukan MA63 penting bukan sahaja kepada rakyat Sarawak, malah seluruh rakyat Malaysia agar lebih memahami asas pembentukan negara dan kedudukan istimewa Sarawak dalam Persekutuan Malaysia,” he said.
To strengthen Sarawak’s legal standing, the state has established a Faculty of Law at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS). This initiative aims to produce more legal experts capable of defending Sarawak’s constitutional rights and ensuring that the principles of MA63 are upheld.
Abang Johari stressed that the younger generation must play a pivotal role in preserving these rights for the benefit of the state and its people.
The townhall also served as a reminder of Sarawak’s broader vision of prosperity, which encompasses economic resilience, social harmony and cultural pride.
The Premier reiterated that the government’s strategies are designed not only to enhance infrastructure and industry but also to empower communities and foster inclusivity.
The event was attended by several key figures, including Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan and Datuk Amar Professor Dr Sim Kui Hian.
Also present were Sarawak’s Minister of Transport and Minister in Charge of Hari Sarawak 2026, Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin, Minister of National Unity Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang, Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah, and Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
Members of the State Legislative Assembly, department heads and community leaders were also in attendance, reflecting the broad support for Sarawak’s aspirations.
The townhall reinforced the government’s message that Sarawak’s future lies in unity, resilience and innovation. By engaging directly with the public, the Premier sought to strengthen awareness of the state’s developmental goals and encourage active participation in shaping Sarawak’s journey towards prosperity.
As Sarawak marks its annual celebration, the townhall has become a symbol of dialogue and collaboration, ensuring that the aspirations of Sarawak Maju Makmur are understood and embraced across generations.
The emphasis on financial sustainability, legal empowerment and historical awareness reflects the state’s determination to secure its place within Malaysia while advancing its own vision of progress.
