KUALA LUMPUR: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said all the significant achievements Sarawak has attained up to this point could not have been accomplished without political stability, unity and ethnic harmony.
The Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) chief whip said the united Sarawakian played a pivotal role in shaping the federal government's formation.
"It is because the united Sarawakian people, under the leadership of the GPS government, made Sarawak's voice decisive in the formation of the federal government during the post-14th General Election and into the 15th General Election.
"It is this political stability and unity that forms the bedrock of our strength in Sarawak, paving the way for a string of achievements in our quest for Sarawak's rights and the development of a more resilient state economy," he made the remark at the Lan Berambeh Anak Sarawak (LBAS) dinner event in conjunction with the celebration of Sarawak's 60th Independence.
Fadillah highlighted that the LBAS event serves as a symbol of unity and togetherness among Sarawakians.
"Lan Berambeh, in reality, is not just a platform for us to come together; it is a symbol of togetherness, harmony, and love among us, the sons and daughters of Sarawak.
"May the spirit of unity and harmony among us Sarawakians continue to be preserved and strengthened for the progress and prosperity of Sarawak," he said.
Also present at the event, Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said LBAS served as a platform to share current information about the state's progress and development.
"Tonight, we gather every year, and Lan Berambeh is not just an occasion to reconnect with each other, but it is a platform for us to share the latest information about what is happening in our state and the development projects we are undertaking," he said.
Abang Johari said Sarawak is harnessing its abundant resources for economic development and sustainability.
"Our development strategy under the Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 encompasses the goals of economic prosperity and environmental sustainability.
"The approach is a response to changing global and regional circumstances. Sarawak would be utilising its natural strengths to emphasise the development of a green economy, centred on hydrogen technology and carbon mitigation," he said.
Abang Johari proudly stated that the state's gross national income (GNI) per capita has propelled the state into the category of high-income regions in the World Bank's income classifications for 2022–2023.
According to the World Bank's latest income classifications, low income is under US$1,085, lower middle income at between US$1,089 and US$4,255, upper middle income at between US$4,256 and US$13,205, while high income is more than US$13,205.
"Being recognised by the World Bank signifies Sarawak's success, as we are among the regions with the highest GNI per capita and income levels.
"We are working towards the achievement of higher household incomes for the people of Sarawak," he said.
The event also saw the presence of the Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Sarawak Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud, Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi, Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian, Dewan Negara Speaker Tan Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, and representatives of the Sarawak Cabinet.
The LBAS is an annual event co-organised by the Kuala Lumpur Sarawakians Association and the Kuala Lumpur Sarawak Foundation to gather Sarawakians working and studying in Peninsular Malaysia.
