KUCHING: Sarawak continues to seek for autonomy in the education and healthcare sectors to drive the state’s development and achieve the progress promised at the time of Malaysia’s formation.
Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said the state government possesses in-depth knowledge of the real needs of the people, particularly children in rural areas, and has the experience to manage local challenges more effectively.
“The state’s vastness and geographic challenges demand special strategies.
“Therefore, with integrated support from both federal and state governments, without prejudice and without neglecting prior promises, Sarawak should enjoy development on par with other regions in Malaysia,” he said in his National Day 2025 message.
Wan Junaidi further said infrastructure development, educational facilities and healthcare services require strong support from the federal government so that Sarawak can achieve the progress that was promised.
He added that when Malaysia was first established, one of its main principles was to ensure Sarawak received fair and equitable development.
“The signing of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) represented a major understanding and commitment, reflecting the aspirations and dreams of Sarawak’s leaders and people at the time to develop together and enjoy wealth and progress on par with Malaya.
“Over the past ten years, there has been a resurgence of calls to reclaim the rights and justice envisioned before Malaysia’s formation.
“Nonetheless, we are grateful that we have remained politically stable and that the state has remained peaceful. Less than a decade ago, we were blessed with a far-sighted, visionary leader who has been meticulous in re-evaluating the foundations of Malaysia’s formation in 1963,” he said.
He further stated that this leadership has taken steps to lawfully secure state resources for development – a state whose size nearly equals that of Peninsular Malaysia.
“Despite being rich in natural resources, Sarawak still lags in many aspects of development, especially in rural areas,” he said.
On the National Day celebrations, he said the occasion reflects the spirit of unity among all Malaysians.
“The date, August 31, marks the independence of the Federation of Malaya in 1957, six years before the formation of Malaysia on September 16, 1963.
“The renaming in 2013 also took into account the sentiments of the people of Sarawak and Sabah, who achieved independence in 1963, so that the celebration is seen as a shared heritage of all states.
“For Sarawak, National Day serves as a symbol of participation in the larger Malaysian family, and an opportunity to reflect on the nation’s long journey, understand the agreed-upon foundations, and appreciate the values that underpin our national sovereignty,” he said.
