KUCHING, Nov 21 — Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg today pledged to stand up for the rights and interests of the state in return for the overwhelming support of the people for the state government under Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS).

He said in last year’s state election and the just-concluded 15th general election, the people of Sarawak had overwhelmingly endorsed and supported the GPS commitment by giving the state coalition a strong mandate.

"So, let us build a better Sarawak for everyone, giving hope to our people. With this indomitable spirit and vigour, I believe Sarawak will surmount whatever challenges come our way,” he said when tabling the State Budget 2023 at a sitting of the Sarawak State Assembly today.

He said the state’s economic recovery has been achieved due to the state government’s proactive policies and measures to stimulate domestic economic activities.

He said these achievements will come to naught if Sarawak has an unstable political environment.

"That is why the GPS government will continue to play its critical role in building a coalition that will ensure political stability and prosperity for all Malaysians, while also for us getting a fair deal for Sarawak.

"It is important that when the people and the state government are united, then our society becomes cohesive and our state emerges stronger,” Abang Johari, who is also the state finance and new economy minister, said.

He said the state government has strategically charted Sarawak’s course towards a high-income economy by 2030 through the Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030.

He said the strategy can only be achieved through great teamwork, collaboration, and partnership among all strata of society.

He added this includes the support of state Cabinet ministers and deputy ministers, leaders of the GPS component parties and the civil society.

He also called on the people to treat their openness to diversity and multiculturalism as the source of their strength, saying that they must promote a spirit of tolerance and convergence of new ideas, especially in the young generation.

He added Sarawak’s future depends on this social foundation, calling on the people to turn their social and natural capital into an advantage.