Abang Johari’s nine years of leadership steers Sarawak forward ― Uggah
Uggah delivers his opening remarks at the appreciation ceremony.
KUCHING (Jan 13): Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas today described Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg’s nine-year leadership as transformative, having steered Sarawak into a strong, prosperous and united region with tangible benefits for its people.
Speaking at the Premier Sarawak’s Address ceremony at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK), Uggah said the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) family remained firmly united in giving its full support to Abang Johari’s leadership.
“On behalf of GPS, I extend our highest congratulations to the Premier on completing nine years leading the Sarawak government.
“We pledge our unwavering support for him to continue carrying the great responsibility of governing Sarawak, while safeguarding peace, prosperity and political stability,” he said.
Uggah, who is also Second Finance and New Economy Minister, paid tribute to Abang Johari’s contributions, crediting his leadership for delivering an improved quality of life to Sarawakians.
He congratulated the Premier on receiving two prestigious international awards in 2025―the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star from the Emperor of Japan, and the World Outstanding Muslim Leader of the Year Award 2024, presented during the Asean Sarawak Business and Economic Forum (Asbef) 2025.
Uggah said the honours reflected Sarawak’s growing role in international cooperation, economic development and sustainable growth, underscoring both the Premier’s dedication and Sarawak’s rising global profile.
Highlighting Sarawak’s achievements under Abang Johari’s leadership, Uggah noted that state revenue rose from RM6.5 billion in 2017 to RM14.2 billion in 2024.
He added that Sarawak had also secured ownership or control of key strategic assets, including Affin Bank, Bintulu Port, Bakun Dam, and the Sarawak Sovereign Wealth Fund.
He also cited the recent launch of Sarawak airline, AirBorneo, as a significant milestone.
“Sarawak is now recognised as an economic powerhouse of Malaysia and a battery of Asean,” he added.
Uggah said the state had also seen massive infrastructure development, with RM21.8 billion committed to more than 1,500 projects, including roads, water and electricity supply, public facilities, the Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) system, and the construction of 20 bridges costing RM6.7 billion.
He pointed out that eight bridges were completed in 2025, with nine more expected to be completed this year, all funded by the GPS government.
According to Uggah, Sarawak’s success is rooted in strong leadership, unity and political courage.
“When Abang Johari assumed office in 2017, Sarawak faced financial constraints, infrastructure gaps, political and economic uncertainties, and the erosion of Sarawak’s rights.
“Guided by a clear vision under the Post-Covid19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, he charted a bold path forward,” he said.
Among key decisions highlighted were the formation of GPS after leaving Barisan Nasional (BN) in 2018, the enforcement of the Sales and Services Tax (SST) on petroleum products―which has generated RM28.5 billion in revenue since 2019―the establishment of the Development Bank of Sarawak (DBOS) and Petroleum Sarawak Development Berhad (Petros), as well as the successful push to reclaim Sarawak’s rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), including the return of Bintulu Port.
Uggah also lauded the introduction of free tertiary education at state-owned institutions, describing it as a bold investment in Sarawak’s future and its younger generation, particularly in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
“These policies have transformed Sarawak from an agriculture-based economy into a modern, innovation-driven and green economy,” he said.
Uggah expressed appreciation to the Sarawak Civil Service for its commitment and integrity in implementing state initiatives, and called on all Sarawakians to remain united under the spirit of ‘Segulai Sejalai’ (Together in Unity).
“There are no obstacles we cannot overcome when we stand together in the spirit of Agi Idup Agi Ngelaban (Never Surrender),” he said, urging continued support for Abang Johari’s leadership.
Congratulating the Premier on his ninth anniversary of administration, Uggah expressed hope for the Premier’s continued wisdom and good health as he leads Sarawak towards a more prosperous, united and sovereign future.
During the event, the launch of the book ‘Greening Transformation: Sarawak 2030 and Beyond’ was also held.
Abu Bakar said the publication, printed entirely on recycled paper, underscored the Sarawak government’s commitment to sustainability and ecological transformation.
Also present were Sarawak Deputy Premiers, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hassan and Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Speaker Tan Sri Mohd Asfia Awang Nasar, and State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohd Abu Bakar Marzuki.