KUCHING: The progress Sarawak has made under Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg’s leadership is not mere rhetoric but the result of strategic planning and bold policies, says Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.
Uggah, who is the Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) deputy president, dismissed past claims by the opposition that the Premier’s vision was merely ‘air liur’ (empty words), stressing that Sarawak’s transformation is now evident for all to see.
“Some of the opposition used to say, ‘Oh, air liur saja itu.’ But now, ladies and gentlemen, we can see that it is not just ‘air liur.’
“It is happening, seen and felt by all of us.
“As the Malay proverb says, ‘yang bulat tidak datang bergolek, yang pipih tidak datang melayang‘ (success requires action and commitment, rather than passively waiting for it to come),” he said.
He said this in his speech at the opening ceremony of the Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) 16th Triennial General Meeting at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) today (Feb 15).
As such, Uggah pointed out the growing recognition of Abang Johari’s leadership at both national and international levels.
He noted that in 2024, Abang Johari was awarded the First Class of the Most Blessed Order of Setia Negara Brunei by the Sultan of Brunei, as well as the Seri Panglima Darjah Kinabalu from the Sabah Governor.
Additionally, Premier’s contributions to technology, planning, and engineering were acknowledged with several honorary fellowships, including from the Institution of Engineers Malaysia (IEM) and the Malaysian Institute of Planners (MIP).
Abang Johari also received the Technology Leadership Award 2024 from the Malaysian Board of Technologies.
“His vast knowledge spans across science, communication, law, and engineering. When he speaks on MA63, even lawyers struggle to keep up with him,” said Uggah.
He added that Sarawak has achieved significant progress under Abang Johari’s leadership, making great strides in just eight years.
He recalled that two years ago, the Premier announced the establishment of the Sarawak Sovereign Wealth Future Fund for the state’s future, and as promised, RM8 billion has been invested in the fund as of 2024.
Sarawak, he added, was recognised by the World Bank as a high-income state several years ahead of its 2030 target, with a record revenue of RM14.2 billion last year, compared to RM5.6 billion in 2017.
The state has also taken full ownership of Bintulu Port and expanded its role in the financial sector through Affin Bank.
With a strong financial position, he asserted that Sarawak has tabled its largest budget ever for 2025, amounting to RM15.8 billion.
“Now, the people of Sarawak are very proud because Sarawak has its own airline, AirBorneo. I hope the fares will be a little cheaper,” he quipped.
“He has 136 initiatives. All these achievements did not fall from the sky, they are not magic.”
