In Sarawak, the spirit of unity and mutual respect among all races will always be our top priority for us to move forward.
– Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg
Saturday night’s Lan Berambeh Anak Sarawak (LBAS) 2025 dinner at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) in Kuala Lumpur was one defining moment where in our collective journey as Sarawakians, pride transcended words. It was a moment when unity, culture and vision converged to remind us who we are and what we stand for.
I have attended six of these gatherings since the event’s inception in 2008. But the 2025 edition with more than 6,000 guests, including 3,500 Sarawakian students from institutions across Malaya was by far the biggest and grandest ever. It wasn’t just another dinner. It was a declaration of identity. It was Sarawak, in all its splendour, taking its rightful place as Malaysia’s shining star.
Earlier in the day, the vast halls of MITEC transformed into a buzzing hive of activity. The Lan Berambeh Anak Sarawak Expo featured 160 exhibitors with a cross-section of Sarawak’s public and private sectors, showcasing opportunities, innovation and culture. From government agencies and GLCs to local entrepreneurs and universities, everyone had one mission: to bring a slice of home to Sarawakians in Malaya.
The crowd was youthful, energetic and optimistic; the kind of energy one seldom sees in national events these days. There was something deeply emotional about watching hundreds of Sarawakians, many studying or working far from home, reconnect with their roots. Between career booths and cultural showcases, they found not just opportunities, but belonging.
My friend and I, who were at MITEC early in the morning, were captivated by the vibrant activities like the Kenyalang Career Initiative offering job-matching sessions, Croc’s Tank student pitching competition, motivational talks by accomplished Sarawakians, the lively Pocket Show, and the ever-popular Sarawak Live Kitchen dishing out our culinary treasures like Laksa Sarawak, Mee Kolok, and Umai. To many of us, it was home away from home, and believe me, it felt magical.
When evening fell, the atmosphere shifted from festive to reverential. The arrival of Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and his wife Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi added regal grace to the occasion. But the loudest applause was reserved for the man whose vision continues to redefine Sarawak’s destiny, who else but Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Before he took the stage, the organising chairman and Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi delivered a heartfelt opening speech that resonated deeply with everyone present. Nanta’s tone was both personal and poetic; he likened Abang Johari’s leadership to Sarawak’s beloved Kek Lapis, that colourful, intricate layered cake that symbolises patience, creativity and precision.
“Just like the Kek Lapis Sarawak, built layer upon layer and rich in flavour, our Premier’s leadership has built Sarawak’s achievements one by one. It starts from a solid foundation then adds layers of innovation, social advancement, economic strength and community empowerment,” said Nanta.
He went further: “Preparing a kek lapis requires patience and creativity to make it appealing, just like his leadership. It’s not just about developing grand projects, but about blending humanity, integrity and compassion.”
His analogy drew thunderous applause from the audience, especially the students who saw in Abang Johari a leader who not only builds physical infrastructure but also nurtures human capital and moral integrity. And when Nanta ended his speech with the powerful pledge, “You’ll never walk alone, Sir. We are with you,” the hall erupted in a standing ovation. It was a moment of genuine emotion; an echo of solidarity between the people and their leader.
In his own address later that evening, Abang Johari struck a tone that was both inspiring and deeply reassuring. Speaking to the thousands of young Sarawakians before him, he urged them to be creative, innovative and courageous, to rise to the challenges of a changing world.
“Sarawak must be the star of Malaysia and the star of Asean,” he said to roaring applause.
He outlined how Sarawak’s transformation is not just about economic numbers or industrial expansion but about nurturing the minds and hearts of its people. In his usual calm yet confident manner, he revealed that his government is studying ways to extend the free tertiary education scheme which is currently available for Sarawak-owned institutions to federal public universities.
The announcement, while cautious, showed his willingness to push boundaries despite administrative and jurisdictional limits. “It’s not easy. Universities like UNIMAS are under federal management. But we will find the best mechanism,” he admitted.
It was vintage Abang Jo; pragmatic but daring, realistic yet visionary. A man who never says “cannot” only “how can”.
But the biggest cheer of the night came when he announced plans to build a Sarawak Complex in Kuala Lumpur. He revealed plans for a hostel and community hub for Sarawakians studying and working in Malaya. “A site has been identified. “And in three years’ time, it will be ready,” he said confidently.
Behind the glamour of the night, another story deserves equal recognition, which is the tireless efforts of the Sarawak Volunteers. These unsung heroes worked for months to coordinate logistics, manage the expo, assist guests and ensure every detail fell perfectly into place.
They embodied the true ‘Segulai Sejalai’ (Together in Unity) spirit, the beating heart of Sarawak’s identity. The success of LBAS 2025 was not just due to grand speeches or VIP appearances, but the genuine teamwork of hundreds of young Sarawakians who treated service as an honour, not a duty.
As one volunteer puts it when I spoke to her, “We are doing this because we love Sarawak. This is our way of giving back.”
Seated next to me at the dinner was a local guest from Malaya, a charming lady who could not hide her admiration for what she witnessed.
“You Sarawakians are truly one united people,” she said, her voice tinged with awe. “Race, religion, and colour are immaterial to you. What matters is unity and respect. Your leaders, especially your chief minister (sic) and your TYT, are visionary. If only we had such leaders here, Peninsular Malaysia would be a better place.”
Then she added with a smile: “Maybe we should send some of our leaders to serve in Sarawak for six months, so they can learn from yours.”
I could only thank her for her kind words. But deep down, I knew she was right. Sarawak’s brand of unity, moderation and good governance has become a model worth emulating. Not just for Malaysia, but for the region.
The Lan Berambeh Anak Sarawak concept has evolved since its humble beginnings in 2008. What started as a small gathering for Sarawakians in Malaya has become an annual pilgrimage – a celebration of belonging and pride. It connects generations: the students who represent the state’s future, the professionals who carry its flag across industries, and the leaders who continue to guide its course.
LBAS 2025 was not merely an event. It was an affirmation that Sarawak’s development model, one that fuses technology with humanity, economy with empathy, is working. It showcased how visionary leadership, coupled with strong community roots, can forge a path of inclusive progress.
While others talk about unity as a slogan, Sarawak lives it. ‘Segulai Sejalai’ is not a tagline; it’s a lived reality. It’s in the way we celebrate diversity, manage our resources, and treat one another as equals.
As the night drew to a close, with thousands singing and waving Sarawak flags, I felt a profound sense of optimism. For all its challenges, Malaysia or rather Malaya, needs Sarawak now more than ever; not just for its energy, economy, or resources, but for its wisdom, moderation and moral compass.
Sarawak has shown that it is possible to progress without polarisation, to lead without arrogance, and to govern with compassion. Under Abang Johari’s steady and strategic leadership, the state has not only modernised its economy but also preserved its soul.
When Nanta said, “You’ll never walk alone,” it wasn’t mere flattery. It captured the bond between Sarawak’s leaders and people; a bond rooted in trust, unity and shared destiny.
As I left MITEC that night, my heart swelled with pride. The lights, the laughter and the music all lingered in the air, but what stayed with me most was a quiet conviction: Sarawak is no longer just Malaysia’s frontier. It is Malaysia’s future!
And perhaps, just perhaps, Abang Johari’s dream will soon come true; that the Land of the Hornbill will indeed shine as ‘the star of Malaysia and the star of Asean’.
The views expressed here are those of the columnist and do not necessarily represent the views of Sarawak Tribune. The writer can be reached at rajlira@gmail.com
