SIBU (Nov 5): The Sarawak Budget 2026 is expected to be attractive and more progressive, driven by the visionary leadership of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, said Datuk Abdullah Saidol.
The Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Corporate Affairs, Information and Ukas) said this confidence stems from the state government’s strong financial position and its success in implementing high-impact development policies.
“From my experience in the stock market, if Sarawak were a company, I believe it could easily be listed on the Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange, and possibly even the London Stock Exchange.
“For the past three years, Sarawak has shown tremendous potential and prospects, backed by its strong trade performance and financial record.
“With the Sarawak Legislative Assembly sitting scheduled in about two weeks, I truly believe the Premier will table an attractive and more progressive Budget 2026, making it possibly the best among all states in the country,” he said when officiating at the ‘Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas) and Central Zone Strategic Partner 2025 Segulai Sejalai’ gathering on Monday night.
Abdullah also emphasised the importance of Ukas’ engagement programmes involving ministries, government agencies, associations, and other stakeholders, describing them as ‘crucial platforms for effectively communicating government policies and initiatives to the people’.
“The Premier often reminds us that the people must understand what the government is doing and whether we are meeting our targets.
“Much has been announced, including the state’s acquisition of Affin Bank, the establishment of Air Borneo, and the provision of free education for Sarawak students.
“What matters most is whether the people, especially those in rural areas, truly understand the government’s efforts and direction,” he stressed.
Meanwhile, Ukas director Awang Putrayusrie Awang Redzuan said the agency will continue to strengthen cooperation with the state government bodies through the newly established Public Relations Officers (PRO) Coordination Committee, involving ministries, departments, and agencies across Sarawak.
He said the committee, approved on Oct 8 by State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki and chaired by Deputy State Secretary (Operations) Datu Hii Chang Kee, aims to enhance alignment and coordination in official communications.
“Its formation reflects the state government’s commitment to ensuring that communication remains close to the people, in line with the Premier’s aspiration for a transparent, open, and responsive administration.
“The strengthened coordination will help improve information delivery, streamline messaging, and reinforce public trust in government initiatives.”
Also present were Sibu Resident Abang Mohamad Porkan Abang Budiman, Sibu Land and Survey Department Superintendent Chua Soh Kee, and Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) Sibu branch director Dinah Samuel.
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