KUCHING: The Sarawak Government’s aspiration to become a key player and major hub for the ASEAN Power Grid initiative has received strong support from Prime Minister, Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

According to him, the ASEAN Power Grid initiative is currently a central strategy and priority for ASEAN in enhancing regional integration and competitiveness.

The Prime Minister also pointed out that this initiative is part of the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on ASEAN 2045 which has been agreed upon by all ASEAN leaders, reflecting a collective commitment towards a more sustainable, inclusive, and interconnected future.

“With Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg at the helm, there is no reason why this state cannot be developed as a regional energy powerhouse, a vision that will make both Sarawak and Malaysia proud.

“With Sarawak’s abundant resources, particularly gas and hydrogen, we hold significant potential to penetrate energy markets, not only across Sabah and Kalimantan but also reaching as far as southern Philippines,” he said.

The Prime Minister was speaking at the 2025 Sarawak-Level Gawai Dayak Celebration Dinner held at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) on Sunday.

Also present to grace the event were Sarawak Governor, Tun Pehin Sri Dr. Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and his wife, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi, along with Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari.

In advancing this aspiration, Dato’ Seri Anwar emphasised the need to accelerate key strategic projects, particularly the development of undersea power cable connecting Peninsular Malaysia to Singapore and Batam.

Commenting on his upcoming visit to Indonesia this Friday to meet with its President, Prabowo Subianto, the Prime Minister revealed that one of the main topics of discussion will be the ASEAN Power Grid with Sarawak serving as the hub, an initiative set to benefit both nations.

“That is why I urge our friends in Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, and Sarawak to recognise the strength we possess, a strength born out of good relations and unity within the MADANI Unity Government.

“The close cooperation between the Federal Government and the Sarawak Government, built upon friendship and mutual respect between the Prime Minister and Premier of Sarawak, not only strengthens national unity but is also key in addressing various shared challenges,” he added.

Also present were Deputy Prime Minister, Datuk Patinggi Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Senate President, Senator Dato Awang Bemee Awang Ali Basah, Menteri Besar of Selangor, Dato' Seri Amirudin Shari, Sarawak Deputy Premier and Chairman of the 2025 Sarawak-Level Gawai Dayak Celebration Main Committee, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, Sarawak Deputy Premiers, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan and Datuk Amar Professor Dr. Sim Kui Hian, Sarawak Legislative Assembly Speaker, Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nasar, Sarawak Ministers, Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring) and Chairman of the 2025 Sarawak-Level Gawai Dayak Celebration Organising Committee, Datuk Gerawat Gala, Sarawak Deputy Ministers, Heads of Departments, and other distinguished guests. -UKASnews