SIBU (Aug 31): The different views on the dates August 31 and September 16, and Independence Day and National Day, should not be polemicised, said Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

He said what is important is that these dates are respected and understood by all citizens of this country, so we can continue to focus on nation-building and development.

“We must continue moving forward and not be constrained by these sentiments, neglecting our shared responsibilities to the country,” he said at the state-level National Day celebration at University of Technology Sarawak’s (UTS) Chancellor Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud’s Hall, here today.

Adding on, Abang Johari said it has been a tradition in Sarawak to rotate major celebrations among the 12 divisions in the state so that all Saraakians have the opportunity to appreciate the significance of each celebration.

That said, he recalled that past leaders had agreed to unite with other regions to form Malaysia because they did not want to see Sarawak fall under other powers and ideologies, aside from what had formed and become practice under British rule, including the political and administrative system.

“However, I believe the important and sincere consideration of our leaders at that time, such as Tun Jugah, Datuk Bandar Abang Haji Mustapha, Tan Sri Ling Beng Siew, and Tun Abang Haji Openg, was that Sarawak should take steps toward progress, like what was happening in Malaya at that time,” he said.

He pointed out that after being part of the Federation of Malaysia for 61 years, it is undeniable that Sarawak has changed significantly from those early days.

However, he added, it is also undeniable that many things have not yet been achieved in terms of economic and infrastructure development.

“But I am confident Sarawak can catch up with the development enjoyed by the people in Peninsular Malaysia within the context of the larger Malaysian family, where every region is given sufficient attention and opportunities for balanced progress among regions.

“If the Peninsula advances, and Sarawak and Sabah also advance, I am confident this country will become more united, with its people and regions closely knit.

“And If Sarawak and Sabah advance, the whole of Malaysia will also advance,” he said.

Nevertheless, Abang Johari, pointed out that Sarawak must continue to work hard to develop and add value to its resources, adding that Sarawak has a clear and concrete policy, as outlined in the Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030).

In this regard, he expressed confidence that with the approach outlined in PCDS 2030, Sarawak will become a progressive, socially inclusive, and environmentally sustainable state.

Additionally, he thanked the federal government for being attentive to the aspirations of the people of Sarawak, who wish to experience the kind of development enjoyed by the people in Peninsular Malaysia, and believes this is a good approach to ensure more balanced development among the regions in this country.

“Therefore, I am confident that the federal government will continue to be attentive to Sarawak’s efforts to increase state revenue through initiatives like offshore carbon storage with a more open policy,” he said.

Meanwhile, Minister in the Premier’s Department Dato Sri John Sikie Tayai, the minister in charge of the celebration, also delivered his welcoming address.

Head of State, Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar symbolically officiated at the event.

Also present were Wan Junaidi’s wife Toh Puan Fauziah Mohd Sanusi, Abang Johari’s wife Datuk Amar Juma’ani Tuanku Bujang, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, and state deputy ministers among others.

The bearer of the Jalur Gemilang from the Sarawak Information Department was led by its director Helmy Hamid, accompanied by 30 participants from the 2024 Merdeka Jalur Gemilang Convoy.