KUCHING: Integrity must be made a shared practice and value by all citizens, including civil servants, the private sector, and all stakeholders, to ensure Sarawak's development continues to progress, remain competitive, and be trusted by the people and investors.

Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg said that Sarawak is blessed with various potentials and resources that form the foundation of the state's development.

However, he explained that every opportunity, state revenue, public asset, and decision-making power is a trust that must be managed with full responsibility, transparency, and centered on the people's interests.

“Without integrity, the progress achieved can be undermined by leakages, weak governance, and the loss of public confidence.

“Conversely, when integrity is made the foundation in every action, development can be implemented more effectively, benefits can be distributed equitably, and prosperity can be enjoyed continuously by future generations,” he said.

He said this when delivering his speech at the Sarawak Integrity Day 2026 Celebration at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) on Wednesday.

He added that themed 'Integrity the Core of Sarawak's Prosperity', the celebration invites all citizens, civil servants, the private sector, and stakeholders to jointly strengthen the culture of integrity in every action and decision.

Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari pointed out that the true measure of Sarawak's prosperity is not merely based on economic growth or the volume of development achieved, but the extent to which the fruits of that progress can be felt by the people.

Therefore, he stressed that every layer of society, whether urban or rural, must enjoy quality services, fair opportunities, and inclusive development.

“True prosperity is prosperity that encompasses all strata of society, including rural communities, interior areas, vulnerable groups, youth, women, as well as future generations.

“Hence, every allocation, assistance, and development opportunity must be executed fairly, transparently, and based on the actual needs of the people,” he emphasized.

Also present were Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Minister in the Premier's Department Dato Sri John Sikie Tayai, Chief Secretary to the Government of Malaysia Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, Sarawak Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Deputy Minister in the Premier's Department (Integrity and Ombudsman) Datuk Dr Juanda Jaya, Sarawak Deputy Ministers and Heads of Departments, alongside other dignitaries. — UKASnews

Prepared By: Ahmad Daniel Faiz
Photos: Ibanez Jeffery & Shahril Haqim
Translator: Ryan Lim