31st army chief makes first call as UTS vice chancellor bids farewell to Premier

Abang Johari (centre) and Abdul Karim (fourth right) during the courtesy call by Azhan (fourth left) and his delegation at the Satria Pertiwi Complex in Kuching on March 30, 2026. Photo: Ukas

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, Mar 30: Marking both a beginning and a farewell, Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg received two courtesy calls—an inaugural visit from newly-appointed Army Chief General Datuk Azhan Md Othman and a farewell call from Universiti Teknologi Sarawak (UTS) vice chancellor Datuk Dr Khairuddin Abdul Hamid.

In a report from the Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas), Azhan’s courtesy call followed his appointment as the 31st Army Chief General on Jan 1, 2026.

In attendance were Sarawak Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts, who is also Minister for Youth, Sports, and Entrepreneur Development, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, as well as Sarawak Security and Enforcement Unit (UKPS) director Abdul Wahab Rahim.

Also present were Eastern Field Commander Lieutenant General Dato’ Mohd Sofi Md Lepi and First Infantry Division Commander Major General Dato Khairul Anuar Abd Aziz.

Abang Johari (second left) and Dayang Norjihan (second right) with Khairuddin (left) and his wife, Dayang Mariani, during the courtesy call at the Satria Pertiwi Complex in Kuching on March 30, 2026. Photo: Ukas

Meanwhile, Khairuddin’s visit was held in conjunction with the completion of his tenure leading the university at the end of this month.

Present during the courtesy call were the Premier’s daughter, Dayang Norjihan, and Khairuddin’s wife, Datin Dayang Mariani Abang Zain. — DayakDaily