Sarawak Premier Abang Johari calls on grassroots leaders to strengthen unity and clearly communicate state policies amid economic and technological changes.
MIRI: Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has called on grassroots leaders to strengthen unity and effectively communicate state government policies to the people in facing economic and technological changes.
Speaking at a dinner with community leaders here last night, he said Sarawak’s development achievements over more than a decade should be viewed alongside future challenges, particularly in adapting to the digital economy and the transition to green energy.
According to him, community leaders, including penghulu, play an important role in ensuring accurate information is conveyed to the public, while also countering the spread of false information on social media.
“With changes occurring rapidly, grassroots leaders must clearly understand government policies and convey them clearly so that the people are not influenced by inaccurate information,” he said.
He also emphasised the state government’s commitment to expanding infrastructure development, including road network projects connecting Miri with interior areas such as Marudi, Long Lama, and surrounding regions.
“In the next few years, the road network is expected to be completed and will open up interior areas while improving access to water and electricity supply,” he said.
In addition, he said Sarawak will continue to focus on renewable energy development and digital transformation to position the state as a competitive and sustainable economy in the region.
He also reiterated the state government’s commitment to education, including providing free higher education at selected institutions for Sarawakian students, in line with the needs of future industries such as semiconductors and green technology.
Commenting on unity, he stressed that Sarawak’s strength lies in its ethnic diversity and its ability to develop the state according to its own mould.
“We must develop Sarawak in our own way, like the ‘kek lapis’ (layered cake) that symbolises our cultural diversity,” he said.