KUCHING: Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar has called on all Sarawakians to remain united and work hand-in-hand with the government and private sector to secure a prosperous future for the state.
In his address in conjunction with Sarawak Day 2025, Wan Junaidi described July 22, 1963, as a historical turning point and a powerful symbol of Sarawak’s identity. It was on this date that the British colonial administration relinquished control and enabled Sarawak to establish its own self-governing administration — paving the way for its eventual entry into the Federation of Malaysia.
“That moment marked the genesis of Sarawak’s sovereign identity within Malaysia,” he said, honouring early leaders such as Tan Sri Datuk Amar Stephen Kalong Ningkan and Dato Sri Tawi Sli, who led the transition towards self-rule.
He also paid tribute to Sarawak’s former Chief Ministers, the late Tun Abdul Rahman Ya’kub, the late Tun Pehin Sri Dr Abdul Taib Mahmud, and the late Pehin Sri Tan Sri Adenan Satem for their foundational roles in building modern Sarawak.
Highlighting Sarawak’s recent achievements, Wan Junaidi praised the leadership of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, especially driven by the Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030). The strategy, he said, is steering Sarawak into new frontiers of growth through digital transformation, renewable energy such as green hydrogen, and bioeconomy while also investing in education and innovation.
“Sarawak’s economy has proven resilient after the pandemic. Now, we are gearing up for global prominence, especially in the digital and green energy sectors,” he said.
However, he stressed that none of this progress would be possible without the collective efforts of the government, the private sector and the people.
“The government lays the policy foundation and infrastructure. The private sector drives investments. The people are the soul of our development ambitions,” he remarked.
Wan Junaidi also reminded all Sarawakians that unity and harmony remain the bedrock of Sarawak’s continued stability and progress.
“May this Sarawak Day rekindle our love for the state and inspire us to move forward with confidence and solidarity,” he said.
