(Sibu, 21st) Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari stated that the Sarawak Day celebration should continue to serve as a platform for consolidating unity, maintaining harmony, and cultivating values of integrity within a diverse ethnic and religious society.
He said that commemorating this historic moment of July 22, 1963, is not only about reflecting on Sarawak’s developmental journey, but should also be a catalyst in propelling Sarawak towards greater advancement and inclusiveness, achieving balanced progress in economic, social, and human resource domains.
He emphasized that a state's achievements cannot be measured solely by infrastructure development or economic growth; true success also depends on establishing a clean, morally upright society that always respects cultural and religious diversity.
"Moral and ethical values should form the foundation of all development efforts. When progress is accompanied by mutual respect, compassion, and a sense of responsibility to society, such advancement becomes more meaningful."
Abang Johari’s speech was read by Sarawak Deputy Premier Dato Amar Dr. Sim Kui Hian, and delivered yesterday at the 2026 Sarawak Day Interfaith Thanksgiving Celebration held in Sibu.
Abang Johari pointed out that the peace and stability enjoyed by Sarawak today are the results of long-term joint efforts by its diverse communities living together in mutual respect and harmony.
He said this unique advantage is Sarawak’s most important asset, one that must be continuously preserved to ensure today’s harmonious society is passed down to future generations.
He also stressed the great significance of holding interfaith thanksgiving celebrations, as it brings together people from different religious backgrounds to express gratitude for Sarawak’s peace, unity, and prosperity.
He said that the “Segulai Sejalai” spirit upheld by Sarawakians — walking together hand in hand — should be continuously strengthened, enabling everyone to work together, share the fruits of development, and enjoy prosperity in a fair and comprehensive manner.
At the same time, he stated that Sarawak is committed to strengthening its leading position in fields such as the digital economy, artificial intelligence (AI), renewable energy, and green development — but such progress must be grounded in principles of morality, ethics, and wisdom.
He said that with rapid technological advancements, society must use technology responsibly, ensuring every innovation truly benefits the people and does not overlook humanistic values.
"If material development outweighs moral values, society cannot achieve true success. Likewise, if economic prosperity is not balanced with spiritual well-being, compassion, and the cultivation of noble character, such prosperity will not be sustainable."
Attendees at the event included Sarawak Deputy Minister Dato Penguang Manggil, responsible for interfaith thanksgiving celebrations, as well as Dato Georgina Apphia Ngau, Director of Sarawak’s Unit for Other Religions (UNIFOR).
He emphasized that a state's achievements cannot be measured solely by infrastructure development or economic growth; true success also depends on establishing a clean, morally upright society that always respects cultural and religious diversity.
"Moral and ethical values should form the foundation of all development efforts. When progress is accompanied by mutual respect, compassion, and a sense of responsibility to society, such advancement becomes more meaningful."
Abang Johari’s speech was read by Sarawak Deputy Premier Dato Amar Dr. Sim Kui Hian, and delivered yesterday at the 2026 Sarawak Day Interfaith Thanksgiving Celebration held in Sibu.
Abang Johari pointed out that the peace and stability enjoyed by Sarawak today are the results of long-term joint efforts by its diverse communities living together in mutual respect and harmony.
He said this unique advantage is Sarawak’s most important asset, one that must be continuously preserved to ensure today’s harmonious society is passed down to future generations.
He also stressed the great significance of holding interfaith thanksgiving celebrations, as it brings together people from different religious backgrounds to express gratitude for Sarawak’s peace, unity, and prosperity.
He said that the “Segulai Sejalai” spirit upheld by Sarawakians — walking together hand in hand — should be continuously strengthened, enabling everyone to work together, share the fruits of development, and enjoy prosperity in a fair and comprehensive manner.
At the same time, he stated that Sarawak is committed to strengthening its leading position in fields such as the digital economy, artificial intelligence (AI), renewable energy, and green development — but such progress must be grounded in principles of morality, ethics, and wisdom.
He said that with rapid technological advancements, society must use technology responsibly, ensuring every innovation truly benefits the people and does not overlook humanistic values.
"If material development outweighs moral values, society cannot achieve true success. Likewise, if economic prosperity is not balanced with spiritual well-being, compassion, and the cultivation of noble character, such prosperity will not be sustainable."
Attendees at the event included Sarawak Deputy Minister Dato Penguang Manggil, responsible for interfaith thanksgiving celebrations, as well as Dato Georgina Apphia Ngau, Director of Sarawak’s Unit for Other Religions (UNIFOR).