KUCHING – Recognition of Sabah and Sarawak’s constitutional rights and more balanced regional development featured prominently in Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg’s Malaysia Day address in Kuching on Wednesday.
Speaking during the national-level Malaysia Day 2026 celebrations, Abang Johari said the implementation of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), 63 years after the formation of the federation, should be regarded as part of a broader national effort to strengthen Malaysia.
He said development planning should take account of the potential and needs of all regions so that citizens across the federation receive appropriate attention within the national development agenda.
The Premier also welcomed Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s stated commitment to the development of Sabah and Sarawak and to the implementation of provisions associated with MA63.
Abang Johari expressed appreciation for several areas of agreement discussed between the federal and state governments.
These included increasing parliamentary representation for Sabah and Sarawak to no less than one-third, determining a revenue-sharing formula between the Federal Government and Sarawak, and efforts to place tourism under the Concurrent List in the Ninth Schedule of the Federal Constitution.
He said recognising the rights and privileges of Sabah and Sarawak should not be treated solely as a response to regional demands, but as part of a wider national agenda aimed at strengthening the federation.
According to the Premier, this approach was consistent with the aspirations surrounding the formation of Malaysia in 1963, when Sarawak became one of the regions that formed the new federation.
He said Sarawak’s development efforts would continue through its Post-Covid Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030), with the state focusing on sectors including the green economy, energy, industry and technology.
Bintulu was highlighted as part of the state’s industrial development plans. Abang Johari said the area had been identified as one of 43 Transitioning Industrial Clusters (TIC) globally and the first such cluster in Malaysia.
He also pointed to Tanjung Embang as an area with potential to develop as a low-carbon hub, supported by infrastructure plans and opportunities for large-scale investment.
Beyond Sarawak’s domestic development agenda, the Premier highlighted cooperation with international and regional partners. He cited collaboration with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) as well as efforts to strengthen energy links between Sarawak, Kalimantan and Sabah.
Plans to supply electricity to Brunei were also mentioned as part of the state’s wider energy cooperation and cross-border connectivity.
Abang Johari said such initiatives could contribute to Sarawak’s role in the development of Borneo and its engagement with the broader ASEAN region.
His address came as Kuching hosted the national-level Malaysia Day celebration on 16 September, with federal and state leaders attending the event at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching.
The Premier said Sarawak would continue its development within a stable Malaysia while contributing to national and regional integration.
The address placed MA63, regional development and economic cooperation alongside the broader Malaysia Day theme of national unity.
It also reflected Sarawak’s stated approach of pursuing greater development capacity while remaining part of the Malaysian federation.
The celebration was held under the theme “Malaysia Madani, Sarawak Maju Makmur” and the spirit of Segulai Sejalai, which emphasises moving forward together.
Abang Johari said these principles would continue to guide Sarawak’s contribution to Malaysia and its engagement with neighbouring regions as the state pursues its longer-term development objectives.
