KUCHING, Dec 31 — Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg tonight announced the name of the state flag as "Ibu Pertiwi”.

He said unlike the national flag that has been named Jalur Gemilang, the state flag adopted in 1988 has not been given any name.

"The name of our state flag, which I announce tonight, is Ibu Pertiwi, that is, Motherland,” he said at the countdown to the New Year 2024 at the waterfront here.

The name of the state flag is similar to the state anthem "Ibu Pertiwiku”, which was also adopted in 1988.

The premier also named the square where the country’s highest flagpole is situated as Dataran Ibu Pertiwi.

He said the flagpole is only to fly the state flag "Ibu Pertiwi”.

"We have to protect Ibu Pertiwi or Motherland.

"The yellow, red and black colours of the state flag reflect the unity among our multiracial society and I call on all Sarawakians that they must show their determination and working hard to protect our motherland,” he said.

"Let us build our motherland together so that it will become more developed and a perfect place for all Sarawakians,” he said.

The premier expressed his gratitude to the state-owned Petroleum Sarawak Behad (Petros), the national oil company Petronas and Sarawak Shell for providing funds to build the flagpole and square.

He said they contributed the funds as part of the corporate social responsibility to society.