BY JACINTHA JOLENE & KAREN MASING
KUCHING: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has recognised Sarawak as a key contributor to Malaysia’s economic progress.
He highlighted the state’s rapid advancement, particularly in the sectors of education, energy and gas development.
According to him, Sarawak’s fast-paced development has positioned it among the top-performing states in Malaysia.
“Wherever I go – Europe, China, Japan or especially within ASEAN – Sarawak is consistently recognised as having tremendous potential to be the region’s energy hub.
“Some states may have advanced earlier and played their role in national development.
“But as I mentioned during the state briefing, Sarawak stands out as the only state that uses its own state funds to build infrastructure – bridges, highways, water supply systems – on a scale unmatched by any other.
“This is the Land of the Hornbills, Sarawak. I thank Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg,” he said.
Anwar made these remarks during Sarawak’s state-level Aidilfitri MADANI celebration, organised by the Energy Transition and Water Transformation Ministry (PETRA), held at Stadium Perpaduan in Petra Jaya today.
Earlier in the day, he chaired the Special Meeting on Sarawak Development 2025 at Wisma Bapa Malaysia, attended by Abang Johari, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, and the three Deputy Premiers, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, and Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian.
Anwar also credited Sarawak’s success to its stable political climate, led by visionary, bold leadership that welcomes new ideas, values continuous learning, and is committed to nurturing local talent and capabilities.
Anwar further emphasised that Sarawak and Malaysia must progress together, and that Sarawak’s momentum can act as a powerful engine of national development.
At the federal level, he said the government fully supports Sarawak’s innovative efforts and forward-thinking approaches.
“We must raise the quality of education, training, and research. We need fresh thinking. In Sarawak, we were just briefed on the state’s long-term direction.
“In terms of energy and gas, there is real capability. And what is that capability for?
“It’s for the development of the state and also for building new infrastructure,” he said.
Reflecting on Sarawak’s economic trajectory, Anwar noted that while the state was once left behind, it is now among the front-runners.
“In education, new industries, especially in energy and gas, Sarawak is taking the lead,” he added.
