Abang Johari: Sarawak election can proceed with 82 seats if new ones not ready [image: 1786356655867-abang-johari-election-compressed.jpg] Sarawak's state election can proceed with the existing 82 seats if the planned addition of 17 new seats isn't ready in time, says Premier Abang Johari. Speaking after the Regency Specialist Hospital groundbreaking in Kuching today (Aug 10), he said the state will follow whatever is in place when the DUN is dissolved. "If it is 82, then 82. If it is 99, then 99. There is no problem," he told reporters. The DUN approved adding 17 new seats last July, bringing the total to 99. But with the election expected by end of this year or early 2027, time for the approval process is tight. "The time is very limited, what can we do? We just follow what is existing. The important thing is that people can vote," he said. Location: Kuching Details: 82 existing seats vs 99 with new seats | election expected late 2026 / early 2027 Source: The Borneo Post What do you think?

Sarawak civil servants could receive a two-month bonus, Premier Abang Johari reveals ahead of the 2027 State Budget. [image: Sbw-080826-mu-SKSSarikei01.jpg] The Premier announced the early indication at the sixth edition of the Sarawakku Sayang programme in Sarikei today, citing the state's improved financial position. Sarawak's revenue has doubled from RM7 billion to RM14 billion during the first five years of PCDS 2030, allowing the government to fund major initiatives including free tertiary education and higher community leader allowances. "What I can say is that there are signs that our revenue this year will, God-willing, allow us to do so," Abang Johari said. Other announcements made: New stadium for Sarikei 10 additional dialysis machines at Sarikei Hospital Expansion of Tanjung Manis Airport to accommodate ATR aircraft Exploring carbon trading revenue from mangrove forests Location: Sarikei / Sarawak Details: Two-month bonus for all Sarawak civil servants; revealed early by Premier ahead of 2027 Budget tabling Source: Borneo Post Online What do you think?

Sarawak Premier Abang Johari says investors are now scrutinising governance, transparency and integrity before deciding where to invest — not just physical infrastructure. [image: 1786064908262-premier1.jpg] Speaking at the Integrity and Excellence Day of the Sarawak Construction Industry 2026 (IECONS 2026) at CIDB Sarawak Complex in Kuching, the Premier said strong institutions, transparent processes, policy stability and integrity levels have become deciding factors for investment destinations. "Today, investors no longer look at physical facilities alone. They also assess the strength of institutions, transparency of processes, policy stability and the level of integrity," he said. He stressed that integrity must be built through strong systems, transparent processes, and principled leadership — not just enforcement after something goes wrong. [image: 1786064908490-premier2-resized.jpg] Abang Johari said Sarawak will continue strengthening governance through digitalised procurement, improved audit systems, and better risk management. He also highlighted the state's ombudsman system, with officers trained alongside MACC to be placed across government agencies. The Premier said the effort aligns with the National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS) 2024–2028, emphasising that integrity has become a strategic advantage in the global economy. Works Minister Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi also spoke at the event, saying successful projects should not be measured by speed alone, but by quality, cost, and value delivered to the people. Location: CIDB Sarawak Complex, Kuching Details: IECONS 2026 | Premier's address on governance & integrity Source: DayakDaily What do you think — is Sarawak moving in the right direction on governance?

Sarawak Premier Abang Johari has broken his silence on the recent AirBorneo flight disruptions, calling them 'teething problems' during the transition from MASwings and assuring the public that solutions are on the way. Speaking at the launch of the SWG Green Industrial Complex and Decarbon Hub at Demak Laut Industrial Park today, the Premier acknowledged the challenges faced by the state-owned airline. 'We are still in the transition stage when we took over MASwings, and therefore, there are some minor problems along the way. But surely, it will be resolved. We will solve the problem for the future,' he said. [image: 1781571920953-airborneo-plane.jpg] Source: DayakDaily (file photo) What happened In recent weeks, AirBorneo-operated flights have faced a series of disruptions including delays and cancellations, drawing widespread complaints on social media. The issues emerged shortly after the Sarawak government completed its takeover of MASwings and rebranded it as AirBorneo. Abang Johari stressed that AirBorneo was created with a bigger vision — to strengthen Sarawak's position within the ASEAN economy and provide businesses with better access to regional markets. 'For us in this region, our market does not only rely on Sarawak's market. Neither should you rely on the Malaysian market. You must rely on the ASEAN market. We are in the middle of ASEAN,' he said. The bigger picture The Premier outlined that Sarawak is investing heavily in connectivity infrastructure — from undersea power cables to Singapore to enhanced transportation networks — and AirBorneo is a key piece of that puzzle. 'If you want to go to see your client in Jakarta, you need our own airline to go there. At the moment, we are building physical bridges, but because we are on an island, we also need bridges to our neighbours,' he explained. He added that the state government is developing its own operational model for the airline to ensure it can effectively support business and economic growth. Location: Kuching, Sarawak Details: AirBorneo flight disruptions addressed by Premier Abang Johari Source: https://dayakdaily.com/we-will-solve-the-problem-abang-johari-addresses-airborneo-controversy/ What do you think?