KUCHING – The Sarawak Chief Minister, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg today received a farewell courtesy call from the United States Ambassador to Malaysia His Excellency Edgard Kagan at the Satria Pertiwi Complex on January 26, 2026.
Ambassador Kagan, who will end his diplomatic tour of duty in Malaysia on 15 February, paid the visit to say a personal thank you for the co-operation and support extended by the Sarawak government during his tenure there. He has served a total of five years in Malaysia, three years as the Deputy Ambassador and two as the Ambassador.
Ambassador Kagan, on the other hand, said in a statement after the meeting that he appreciates the gesture as the premier has done much to cement relations between Sarawak and the US. “The Premier of Sarawak is a very strong partner and has been very supportive of the United States relationship. I wanted to come here personally, and thank him not only for the kindness and cooperation that he offered me, but more importantly, upon my request for the United States.”
The two men had a candid and constructive discussion, with the Premier expressing his confident in Malaysia’s future, including continued development of Sarawak. “We had a great conversation. He certainly don’t pull no punches. We discussed his faith in Malaysia and how the Sarawak story will have more chapters. What impresses me about him is his knowledge, which is impressive, and he has passion especially on renewable energy and how Sarawak can fit into the region,” he added.
Ambassador Kagan has also constantly underscored Sarawak’s promise in renewable energy and hydrogen development, which he believes that the state is ideally situated to receive investment in both areas. He had previously said that Sarawak’s resources, in particular its energy and water supply, made it an attractive destination for data centres and high technology investments.
Sarawak has also made strides in gaining attention from American businesses as an investment destination, added Kagan during his farewell tour. He attributed collaboration between the US Embassy, the American Chambers of Commerce and the Sarawak government had placed the state “on the map” for US companies.
Recalling his service in Malaysia, the Ambassador admired the natural beauty and political stability of Sarawak. “It was exciting for us to be here and see how beautiful Sarawak is. For me, it has been an honour to come here for a final time as Ambassador and I also expressed to the Premier that I have every intention of coming back in another capacity, as a private citizen.”
“I think I would like to come back and see it. I want to one day come just for vacation,” said Kagan, also expressing his desire to visit parts of Sarawak off the court’s premises. “I really am looking so much forward to coming back. It will be voluntary to visit, and at last I will have more time to do fun things which are not work,” he said.
His exit not only represented the end of a long chapter in US-Malaysia ties, but Sarawak’s key role as one of the presences to facilitate cooperation in energy, trade and investment. The Coalition Party’s Secretary-General being met by the Premier underscores that Sarawak is increasingly a political actor in regional and international cooperation.
