Abang Johari (third right) seen during the press conference, which also hosts (from right) Awang Tengah, Dr Sim, Uggah, Sikie, Henry and Nanta. — Photo by Roystein Emmor

KUCHING (April 19): The Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) Convention 2026 serves as a platform to review the coalition’s achievements since its establishment in 2018.

In pointing this out, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the convention allowed members to reflect on what had been accomplished so far, particularly in assessing the coalition’s performance beyond its role in safeguarding the rights and voice of the people of Sarawak.

“I don’t rate myself. Let the people rate me.

“So far, people have monitored us, and they have said that we are quite advanced in certain areas,” he told reporters in a press conference, at the GPS Convention 2026 in Borneo Convention Centre (BCCK) on Sunday.

Abang Johari added that recognition from national leaders, as well as the international community, indicates that Sarawak’s development efforts had been gaining attention.

“If leaders of the country acknowledge that, including those from outside the country, then there must be something in us; otherwise, they would just ignore you.”

The Premier noted that ambassadors from various countries had been visiting Sarawak regularly, citing recent visits by the representatives of Bangladesh and Italy as examples of growing international interest.

He also highlighted continued investment confidence in Sarawak, pointing to the expansion plans by Western Digital.

According to him, the company is transitioning its substrate technology from silicon to glass, and it has acknowledged the capability of Sarawak’s students and workforce.

“That is why they (Western Digital) are investing RM2 billion in the Samajaya expansion.

“So let people assess us,” he added.

Last Wednesday, Bangladesh High Commissioner to Malaysia Manjurul Karim Khan Chowdhury spoke about the plan to enter a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Sarawak on the recruitment of workers, particularly for the state’s development sector.

In addition, Italian Ambassador to Malaysia Rafaelle Langelle had expressed interest in exploring opportunities for strategic collaborations with Sarawak in the energy and aerospace sectors.

Also present at the press conference at the BCCK were deputy premiers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian and Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan; federal Works Minister and GPS secretary-general Datuk Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi; state minister Datuk Seri John Sikie Tayai; and state deputy minister Datuk Henry Harry Jinep.