SIBU – The Sarawak Premier has called on SABERKAS to continue developing young leaders who can contribute to the state’s future while maintaining strong values of integrity, responsibility and unity.
Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg said the youth organisation should remain an important platform for developing talent and leadership among Sarawak’s younger generation.
He made the remarks while officiating the opening ceremony of the 18th SABERKAS Sarawak Tri-Annual General Assembly in Sibu on 9 August 2026.
According to him, the assembly should be viewed as more than a regular organisational gathering. It provides an opportunity for members to review SABERKAS’ progress, renew their commitment and consider the organisation’s future direction.
The three-yearly assembly brought together 476 delegates and observers representing 82 SABERKAS branches. Members of the Exco and Ex-Officio ranks for the 2023 to 2026 session also attended the gathering.
Abang Johari said SABERKAS had built a long history in Sarawak since its establishment on 19 March 1973.
Over more than five decades, the organisation has contributed to youth leadership development and efforts to strengthen unity among young people across the state.
He also highlighted SABERKAS’ inclusive character, noting that the organisation brings together members from different races, religions and backgrounds.
Such diversity, he said, reflects the wider Sarawak approach of treating differences as a source of strength rather than division.
The Sarawak Premier also addressed the upcoming renewal of the SABERKAS leadership for the 2026 to 2029 term.
He said the transition should be regarded as a continuation of the organisation’s established legacy rather than a separation between the outgoing and incoming generations.
Experienced members, he said, should continue sharing their knowledge and experience by serving as mentors to younger leaders.
At the same time, the new generation should be given sufficient room to introduce fresh ideas, use emerging technologies and ensure the organisation remains relevant to changing needs.
The role of young people will become increasingly important as Sarawak works towards the objectives of the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030, or PCDS 2030.
Abang Johari said youths represented an important part of the state’s human capital and would have a role in supporting economic transformation in areas such as technology, digitalisation, green energy, high-value industries, the creative economy and innovation.
He also encouraged young Sarawakians to make use of opportunities available through the Sarawak Free Tertiary Education Scheme, or FTES.
A total of 64 bachelor’s degree programmes have been identified under the scheme this year, providing further opportunities for young people to pursue higher education and develop skills needed for the state’s future economy.
Alongside formal education, the Sarawak Premier stressed the importance of entrepreneurship.
He encouraged young people to strengthen their entrepreneurial capabilities so that more could develop businesses and become job creators instead of relying solely on existing employment opportunities.
Abang Johari further urged SABERKAS to strengthen its understanding and use of digital technology.
The organisation, he said, needed to remain prepared for developments involving artificial intelligence and automation, which are expected to influence workplaces, businesses and wider society.
However, he stressed that technological advancement should be accompanied by strong personal and organisational values.
Integrity, discipline, empathy and responsibility should remain central to the development of young leaders, he said.
The Sarawak Premier also expressed hope that SABERKAS would continue working closely with the Sarawak Government in community development.
He said the organisation could contribute by developing future leaders, encouraging entrepreneurship and supporting youth volunteerism.
The continued involvement of young people in community activities would also help strengthen cooperation and unity throughout Sarawak.
Abang Johari said this approach was consistent with the spirit of Segulai Sejalai and the wider aspiration of achieving Sarawak Maju Makmur 2030.
With the leadership transition ahead, SABERKAS is expected to balance the experience of its established members with the ideas and technological capabilities of its younger generation.
The emphasis on leadership development, education, entrepreneurship and community involvement places youth at the centre of Sarawak’s longer-term development efforts.
