KUCHING – Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg has deferred decisions on requests involving foreign worker procedures and immigration policies, saying he must first obtain a renewed mandate before making any commitments.
Speaking at the installation dinner of the 20th Management Committee (2025-2028) of the Federation of Chinese Associations Sarawak at the Sheraton Hotel Kuching on 10 November 2026, Abang Johari said he was willing to consider proposals raised by the Chinese business community but could not approve or reject them at this stage.
He explained that his authority to make decisions on the matters would remain limited until 12 December, making it premature to provide definitive answers to the requests.
“Much as I would like to say yes, I approve. But I don’t have the mandate now. I cannot say yes nor can I say no. I have no mandate until 12 December,” he said.
The Premier was responding to concerns raised earlier by federation president Dato Sri Richard Wee, who highlighted immigration policies and administrative procedures affecting businesses that rely on foreign workers.
The issues are particularly relevant to employers seeking clarity on the processes governing the recruitment and employment of foreign nationals. Businesses generally require predictable immigration arrangements to support workforce planning, maintain operations and meet staffing requirements.
Abang Johari acknowledged the matters raised but maintained that further consideration would depend on the necessary mandate being renewed.
He also referred to existing arrangements for expatriate professionals, noting that the Sarawak Government currently provides five-year visas for this category of foreign workers.
“At the moment, we are giving five-year visas to expatriate professionals,” he said.
The arrangement reflects an existing provision within Sarawak’s immigration framework for expatriate professionals. However, the Premier’s remarks indicated that the current provision should not be taken as confirmation that additional requests from the business community had been approved.
He specifically mentioned Kuching, Sibu and Miri when referring to the need for a renewed mandate, linking the matter to the broader relationship between the state government and the communities involved.
“If you want that mandate, you give me back your mandate. Especially Kuching, Sibu, Miri, you give us back the mandate,” he said.
The Premier subsequently emphasised the importance of continued cooperation between the state administration and the Chinese business community, saying their partnership should remain focused on Sarawak’s wider interests.
“Then, we work together for the good of Sarawak,” he said.
Earlier in his address, Abang Johari described the Federation of Chinese Associations Sarawak as an important link between the government and the Chinese community.
He highlighted the value of maintaining communication and cooperation between community organisations and the state administration, particularly as Sarawak continues pursuing its economic transformation agenda.
The federation’s role in representing community and business interests provides a platform for issues affecting its members to be brought to the attention of the government.
For the business sector, immigration procedures and access to foreign workers remain important considerations, particularly for employers whose operations depend on a sufficient and reliable workforce.
However, the Premier’s position at the dinner made clear that the requests raised by the federation would require further consideration and could not be treated as approved measures at this point.
No specific changes to foreign worker procedures or immigration requirements were announced during the event. The proposed matters therefore remain subject to the relevant mandate and subsequent government decisions.
Abang Johari’s remarks also underscored the importance of maintaining engagement between the state government and business organisations as Sarawak works towards its development objectives. â Sarawak Daily
