In many ways, Sarawak today represents perhaps the closest realisation of the long-articulated but still elusive dream of Bangsa Malaysia: a truly united, inclusive, just, meritocratic, and progressive Malaysian nation.
At a time when public discourse in parts of Peninsular Malaysia has become increasingly polarised by ethnic and religious rhetoric, Sarawak has emerged as a model of moderation, coexistence, and pragmatic governance for the rest of Malaysia to emulate.
Leadership has been a key factor in shaping the state’s exemplary development trajectory.
From chief minister to premier
Abang Johari Openg became Sarawak’s sixth chief minister on Jan 13, 2017, following the death of the widely respected Adenan Satem.
In 2022, following amendments to the Sarawak Constitution, he assumed the title of premier, symbolising Sarawak’s growing assertion of its constitutional position under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
A veteran leader from Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB), Abang Johari had served in several important ministerial positions before ascending to Sarawak’s highest office. Upon assuming leadership, he moved beyond mere continuity.
While preserving Adenan’s moderate and Sarawak-centric approach, Abang Johari has introduced a more ambitious and forward-looking development agenda.
Under his stewardship, Sarawak has embraced a clear and compelling vision: to become a developed, high-income, inclusive, digitally driven, and environmentally sustainable state by 2030.
This vision places strong emphasis on economic prosperity, social inclusivity, renewable energy, digital innovation, and sustainable development for the benefit of all Sarawakians.
What makes Abang Johari’s leadership especially significant is that it extends far beyond economic development or political longevity. His greatest contribution may well lie in his conscious effort to nurture a political culture that rises above narrow communalism and promotes a shared sense of belonging among diverse communities.
Sarawak for all Sarawakians
Unlike many politicians in Peninsular Malaysia who continue to rely heavily on ethnic insecurities and religious posturing to sustain political relevance, Abang Johari has consistently projected a broader and more inclusive vision.
He has repeatedly emphasised that Sarawak belongs to all Sarawakians regardless of ethnicity or religion.
In September 2025, he declared: “We must firmly reject any form of extremism or fanaticism that could jeopardise our unity. Inclusivity in Sarawak is not merely a slogan; it’s a way of life.”
He further stressed that the government under his leadership remains deeply committed to honouring and celebrating Sarawak’s rich religious and cultural diversity (Borneo Post Online, Sept 15, 2025).
These are not empty slogans. They are reflected in governance practices, institutional arrangements, and public policy.
Perhaps the clearest example is the establishment of the Unit for Other Religions (Unifor), which provides direct state assistance to non-Islamic religious bodies for the construction, repair, and maintenance of churches, temples, and other places of worship.
For 2026, the Sarawak government allocated RM120 million under Unifor to support non-Islamic religious communities, reaffirming its commitment to religious harmony and inclusivity (Dayak Daily, May 20, 2026).
This initiative is profoundly significant within the Malaysian context. While religious issues in parts of Peninsular Malaysia are often politicised and exploited to generate division and suspicion, Sarawak has institutionalised interfaith respect through state policy itself.
Abang Johari has also openly reaffirmed Sarawak’s multicultural and multi-religious character. He affirmed that non-Muslims in Sarawak were free to use the word “Allah” in their religious practices and publications, wisely reiterating that politicians should focus on major public issues instead of quarrelling over the usage of the word “Allah”(MalaysiaNow, April 6, 2021).
He has likewise maintained Sarawak’s opposition to the implementation of the hudud law, recognising the state’s unique social fabric and constitutional realities.
Emergence of Bangsa Sarawak
Under Abang Johari’s leadership, Sarawak has increasingly strengthened a shared sense of Bangsa Sarawak - a common Sarawakian identity that transcends ethnic and religious boundaries.
In Sarawak, Muslims routinely attend Christmas celebrations, Christians participate in Hari Raya gatherings, and people of different ethnic and religious backgrounds generally interact with a degree of ease and mutual respect that has sadly become less common in parts of Peninsular Malaysia.
Abang Johari himself highlighted this social reality when he remarked that “only in Sarawak do we find Christian and Muslim families living under one roof” (Dayak Daily, Dec 24, 2022).
More recently, he described Sarawak as a “convergence point” capable of helping move Malaysia forward through religious harmony and inclusivity (Borneo Post Online, April 26, 2026).
Sarawak is certainly not free from challenges. Rural development gaps, indigenous land issues, and socioeconomic inequalities still require continued attention.
Nevertheless, and most importantly, the state has largely avoided the severe racial and religious bickering that periodically destabilises Peninsular Malaysia and holds us back from advancing into a mature society.
The Sarawak governance model did not happen accidentally. It required political leadership that consciously refused to inflame communal sentiments for political advantage.
Economic transformation, shared prosperity
Abang Johari’s leadership also demonstrates that social harmony and economic development are not mutually exclusive. On the contrary, they reinforce one another.
Under his administration, Sarawak has embarked on one of the most ambitious socio-economic transformation programmes in Malaysia. His government has aggressively pursued digitalisation, renewable energy, hydrogen technology, infrastructure development, food security, and high-value industrial investment.
Sarawak is increasingly positioning itself as a regional leader in green energy and the digital economy.
The results have been impressive. Sarawak first achieved high-income status in 2022, with gross national income (GNI) per capita reaching RM56,213. The figure rose to RM70,536 in 2023 and further to RM73,100 in 2024, enabling Sarawak to maintain a high-income status for three consecutive years.
State revenue also increased dramatically. In 2024, Sarawak recorded a historic revenue of RM14.2 billion - approximately double the figure before Abang Johari became chief minister in 2017.
Infrastructure development has accelerated significantly, particularly in rural areas long neglected in the past. Major investments in roads, bridges, water supply, electricity, telecommunications, and digital connectivity have strengthened economic opportunities and improved living standards across the state.
Sarawak has also invested heavily in education and human capital development. Among the most notable initiatives is the Free Tertiary Education Scheme beginning in 2026, with an initial allocation of RM250 million.
The scheme will cover approved programmes at state-owned higher education institutions and seeks to expand access to quality education for Sarawakians.
These initiatives reflect a broader philosophy of developmental inclusivity - namely, that progress must benefit ordinary people across communities rather than merely enrich political or economic elites.
Peninsula’s entrenched communal politics
The contrast between Sarawak’s relatively inclusive and moderate political culture and developments in parts of Peninsular Malaysia is difficult to ignore.
For decades, communal politics have remained deeply entrenched in the peninsula. Political parties and pressure groups frequently mobilise support through ethnic insecurities, religious exclusivism, and fear-based narratives.
Issues involving ethnicity, religion, language, education, and even culture are routinely politicised. Public discourse has become increasingly polarised.
This has significantly hindered the emergence of a genuine Bangsa Malaysia consciousness rooted in shared citizenship, constitutionalism, justice, and common destiny.
Instead of nurturing a common Malaysian identity, divisive politics have often reinforced communal boundaries. Meritocracy is frequently viewed through ethnic lenses. Religious moderation is sometimes portrayed as weakness. Calls for inclusivity are occasionally attacked as threats to ethnic or religious supremacy.
Such politics may produce short-term electoral gains, but they carry enormous long-term national costs. They weaken social cohesion, undermine trust between communities, discourage national integration, and erode confidence among many Malaysians - especially younger generations who increasingly aspire towards a more inclusive and progressive national identity.
Lessons for national leaders
Sarawak under Abang Johari offers important lessons for the rest of Malaysia.
First, nation-building must transcend communal politics. Leaders must stop treating ethnicity and religion primarily as instruments of political mobilisation.
Second, inclusivity must extend beyond rhetoric into institutions, policies, and governance practices. Sarawak’s support for all religious communities through Unifor demonstrates how governments can actively institutionalise interfaith respect and equitable treatment.
Third, moderation is not weakness. Sarawak’s relative harmony and stability have strengthened social cohesion, investor confidence, and long-term development.
Fourth, leaders must articulate a clear and compelling shared vision. Abang Johari’s emphasis on shared Sarawakian identity demonstrates how leaders can inspire collective belonging without marginalising minorities.
Finally, Malaysia’s future depends upon whether it can evolve from communal nationhood towards civic nationhood - from narrow ethnic politics towards a truly inclusive Bangsa Malaysia consistent with the spirit of the Federal Constitution and the aspirations of the nation’s founders.
Paradigm shift urgently needed
Malaysia urgently needs a paradigm shift: from communal nationhood to civic nationhood; from religious extremism to religious harmony; from mediocrity to excellence; and from national drift to a clear, compelling, and unifying national vision.
Our nation is crying out for courageous, principled, visionary, and inclusive leadership - leadership prepared to rise above communal politics and genuinely promote justice, moderation, shared prosperity, and national cohesion.
At a time when parts of Peninsular Malaysia continue to grapple with growing ethnic and religious polarisation, Sarawak’s model of inclusive governance and shared nation-building offers more than a source of hope.
It provides a practical example of how moderation, mutual respect, equitable treatment, and a common civic identity can help build the Bangsa Malaysia we have long aspired to achieve. - Mkini
RANJIT SINGH MALHI is an independent historian who has written 19 books on Malaysian, Asian, and world history. He is highly committed to writing an inclusive and truthful history of Malaysia based upon authoritative sources.
The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of MMKtT.
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