KUALA LUMPUR: The voices and ideas of young Sarawakians are now becoming catalysts in shaping regional policies, reflecting the government’s commitment to making the perspectives of the younger generation the cornerstone of the state’s future direction.

Deputy Prime Minister, Datuk Amar Fadillah Yusof, said the Sarawak Government continuously provides opportunities for Sarawakians living outside the state, particularly those in Peninsular Malaysia, to express their aspirations, share new ideas, and offer views on social and economic policies.

He explained that these ideas are often conveyed through platforms such as the Sarawak Agenda Townhall sessions with the Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg, which have always drawn great interest from Sarawakians residing outside the state.

“This is where Sarawakian students and citizens, whether they are living, working, or raising families in Peninsular Malaysia, have the opportunity to engage directly with the Premier of Sarawak.

“Usually, the outcomes of such dialogues serve as the foundation for the Premier in formulating new policies,” he said.

He made these remarks when met by the media after conducting a final inspection of preparations for Lan Berambeh Anak Sarawak (LBAS) 2025 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) here on Friday.

Datuk Amar Fadillah, who is also the Advisor to the LBAS 2025 Main Committee, explained that previous editions of LBAS had successfully led to the approval of the Sarawak Graduate Return Initiative (IGPS), which provides RM600 in travel assistance for Sarawakian students journeying between the state and Peninsular Malaysia.

“In addition, many other ideas have been transformed into policies, for instance, the RM1,200 pocket allowance to help our students, which also originated from a townhall session,” he added.

In this regard, he expressed hope that Sarawakian youths participating in the upcoming townhall session on Saturday will share constructive ideas, perspectives, and insights to help the government enhance its services through collective participation.

Accompanying him during the inspection were Minister of Works, Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi, Deputy Minister of Economy, Dato Hanifah Hajar Taib, Deputy Minister of Rural and Regional Development, Datuk Rubiah Wang, as well as Members of Parliament from Sarawak. -UKASnews

Reporter: Jonnie Kiew
Translator: Uilson Ng
Photographer: Muhammad Rais Sanusi