SARAWAK Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has hailed the introduction of the state’s first-ever State Ownership Policy as a decisive step towards greater economic autonomy and sovereignty, positioning the state as a more active and empowered partner within Malaysia’s federal structure.
Describing the initiative as the first of its kind in the country, Abang Johari said the policy enables the Sarawak government to manage and optimise its assets in a sustainable, professional and integrity-driven manner.
“With clear principles and frameworks, this policy will ensure that Sarawak is able to manage its own resources to develop a diversified and sustainable economic base,” he said during a speech at the 79th birthday celebration of the Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Sarawak, Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, at Padang Merdeka.
He emphasised that the policy reflects the continuation of Sarawak’s long-standing push for greater control over its own affairs as outlined in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), with the ultimate aim of safeguarding the welfare of its people.
Abang Johari highlighted that as a result of these efforts, the state now has full regulatory authority over liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), a vital energy resource. “Through the Sarawak Government-owned company, Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (PETROS), we now have the ability to manage our own resources,” he added.
He also noted that enhanced autonomy allows the Sarawak government to shape policies in critical sectors such as education, healthcare and energy to better reflect local priorities and realities.
“I am confident that through a clear autonomy framework and state ownership policy, Sarawak will continue to emerge as a sovereign and competitive territory, as well as an example of effective governance in the country’s federal system,” he said.
The celebration featured a ceremonial parade and rally involving 110 contingents representing government bodies, security forces, educational institutions and community organisations.
Also in attendance were Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, Sarawak Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan and Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, along with state cabinet ministers and dignitaries. - October11, 2025
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