KUCHING: Sarawak’s development momentum will be driven by stronger connectivity and a resilient financial ecosystem, with infrastructure upgrades and financial institutions playing a key role in supporting long-term growth.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said connectivity remains a major driver of competitiveness, as improved roads, ports, and logistics strengthen efficiency, widen market access and support trade capacity.
He highlighted the progress of the Pan Borneo Highway Sarawak Phase 1, which was reported to be 99.98 per cent complete as of November 25, 2025, with 10 out of 11 work packages completed and progressively opened to the public.
“It is a major effort, and like any major effort, it calls for careful attention to the final mile, so that benefits reach people safely and sustainably,” he said in the speech delivered by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas at the AFFIN Chinese New Year Dinner held at the Sheraton Hotel on Thursday.
He said modern economies are not built on physical infrastructure alone, but also on strong financial infrastructure, including the ability to mobilise capital productively, support enterprise responsibly and widen participation so that more people and businesses benefit from growth.
“This is why financial institutions matter. They are not merely service providers. They are partners in building confidence,” he added.
Furthermore, he acknowledged AFFIN’s role in Sarawak’s financial ecosystem.
“What distinguishes future-ready institutions today is not only scale, but responsiveness, sound discipline, and a genuine commitment to the customer,” he stressed.
Additionally, he highlighted AFFIN’s growing strength, noting that Moody’s had reaffirmed the group’s international credit rating.
“Moody’s has affirmed the Group’s strong international credit rating of ‘A3’ and elevated its standalone rating to ‘Baa2’, reflecting strong confidence in the Group and paving the way for more competitive funding,” he reiterated.
He also said that AFFIN’s sustainability commitment was recognised in the latest FTSE4Good semi-annual review.
“The latest FTSE4Good semi-annual review has also recognised AFFIN, upgrading its ESG rating from 3 stars to 4 stars, a meaningful endorsement of its sustainability commitment and places it among Malaysia’s leading publicly listed companies,” he added.
He also said Sarawak’s progress would be further strengthened through continued alignment between the public and private sectors.
“As we look ahead, Sarawak’s progress will be strengthened when the public and private sectors continue to align around one shared goal,” he concluded.
“Building long-term value that is widely shared.”
