‘Like kek lapis, Sarawak must be developed in our own mould’ – Premier

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By Shikin Louis

KUCHING, April 25: Sarawak must continue to be developed based on its own unique identity and approach, much like the making of the State’s famous kek lapis (layered cake), says Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

He said only Sarawakians know how to make kek lapis properly, noting that the process would turn out differently if handled by others in terms of layers, colours, method and taste, and that its preparation requires time and creativity.

“In the same way, Sarawak is like kek lapis. It must be developed in our own mould.

“When we develop it in our own mould, we have no problem because we understand our own culture,” he said when speaking at the Majlis Makan Malam Bersama Komuniti Bahagian Miri held at a local hotel in Miri, which was broadcast live by Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS) last night (April 24).

Abang Johari further recalled Sarawak’s political journey following the 2018 General Election, saying the State had to reassess its position after changes at the federal level led to the collapse of the Barisan Nasional (BN) administration.

He said Sarawak initially remained aligned with BN despite the political shift in Kuala Lumpur, before eventually deciding to chart its own direction after considering the need for political stability and continuity in development.

This, he said, led to the formation of Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) as a State-based coalition to safeguard Sarawak’s interests and development agenda independently.

He also said that following the political transition, several development projects for Sarawak were cancelled or delayed, including infrastructure works and school-related projects, which affected the State’s development momentum.

Abang Johari said Sarawak then took steps to strengthen its financial position by introducing its own revenue mechanisms, including the imposition of the State Sales Tax (SST) on petroleum products.

“This allowed our revenue to grow. From about RM6 billion previously, it has increased to around RM13 billion to RM14 billion today,” he said.

Abang Johari also said the stronger financial position has enabled the State to continue funding development projects and improve support for grassroots leadership, including allowances for community leaders.

At the same time, Abang Johari reminded that development should never be taken for granted, stressing that Sarawak’s progress is the result of its own ideas, homegrown approach, and strong unity among its people.

He said natural resources alone do not guarantee prosperity, pointing out that some resource-rich countries, particularly in Africa, remain underdeveloped due to internal conflicts despite their wealth.

As such, he emphasised that Sarawak’s resources must be carefully managed with the clear intention of adding value, strengthening the economy, and ultimately improving the well-being of the people.

“Don’t listen to what others say. We take care of our own. As Denan said before, Sarawak can only be managed by Sarawakians themselves.

“Outsiders, I’m sorry — they don’t know how to make kek lapis. Only Sarawakians know how to make kek lapis with the right taste that people enjoy,” he emphasised.

Among those present were Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan and Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian; Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nasar; Sarawak Minister of Transport Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin; Sarawak Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki; and Deputy Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government I (Public Health and Housing) Datuk Dr Penguang Manggil.