KUCHING: Sarawak’s emergence as one of the fastest-developing states in Malaysia is driven by decisive and forward-looking leadership rather than reliance on natural resources.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said the state’s remarkable progress reflects the strategic clarity and political courage demonstrated under the visionary leadership of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
“Many people ask, what makes Sarawak so special? Other states also have forests and rivers.
“But Sarawak has succeeded in emerging as one of the most successful states in terms of development because we have Abang Jo,” he said.
He said this during the Premier’s New Year 2026 Address at Borneo Convention Centre kuching (BCCK) here Tuesday (Jan 13).
According to Uggah, when Abang Johari assumed office in January 2017, Sarawak was facing numerous challenges, including financial constraints, major infrastructure gaps, reliance on ferry services in rural areas, political and economic uncertainty, as well as the erosion of the state’s rights.
“However, the Premier truly loves Sarawak. He knew that his duty was to turn the situation around and transform this state,” he said.
Uggah said this vision was translated into the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030), which aims to make Sarawak a developed, high-income state by 2030.
“The strategy is driven by data and innovation, with a strong emphasis on economic prosperity, social inclusivity and environmental sustainability.
“The Premier also promised that no one would be left behind in Sarawak. That is his core principle,” he said, adding that the state’s target is to double its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to RM250 billion by 2030.
He described Abang Johari as a highly strategic, innovative, bold and committed leader who constantly thinks of the best steps to ensure Sarawak achieves its long-term development objectives.
Among the boldest and most significant decisions, he said, was the move to leave Barisan Nasional (BN) in 2018 and the formation of Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), which he described as a correct and far-sighted decision.
“That decision was bold at the time, but today we can see that it was a very wise one. It enabled Sarawak to safeguard its autonomy and champion the state’s interests more effectively,” he said.
Uggah also highlighted Abang Johari’s role in championing Sarawak’s rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) through the ‘Sarawak First’ slogan.
“A total of 29 claims have been resolved, and the remaining claims valued at RM13 billion are still in progress.
“This is our collective struggle, and the people of Sarawak will continue to stand firm in defending the state’s rights,” he said.
In terms of financial autonomy, Uggah said the enforcement of the state Sales and Services Tax (SST) in 2019 marked another major achievement.
“As of October 2025, Sarawak has collected RM28.5 billion in SST revenue. This is why we are able to build bridges, upgrade infrastructure and stimulate economic growth,” he said.
He added that initiatives such as the establishment of the Development Bank of Sarawak (DBOS), PETROS as the state’s sole gas aggregator, and the implementation of free higher education beginning this year further demonstrate the Premier’s visionary leadership.
“A total of RM250 million has been allocated for free higher education, providing significant opportunities especially for students from the B40 group,” he said.
Commenting on economic transformation, he said Sarawak has now successfully shifted from an agriculture and community-based economy to a modern, high-technology economy driven by innovation and underpinned by the green economy.
“Over these nine years, Sarawak has undergone an extraordinary transformation. This is proof of the visionary leadership and courage of the Premier of Sarawak,” he said.
