A bold leader with a heart for the people

KUCHING: Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has been described as a passionate and visionary leader who is not afraid to take risks. 

Datuk Seri Abang Abdul Karim Tun Openg said one of the important elements that contributed to his younger brother’s success is his willingness to take risks when venturing into new areas. 

“I think my brother (the Premier) is a risk taker, but of course these are well-calculated risks. 

“The things that Sarawak is embarking on – from digitalisation and green energy – are all new things, and he is doing it for the rakyat. 

“That is his main principle and objective in serving the state, he stands firmly on it. Whenever we embark and want to do something, our intention is very important.

“If your intention is good, InshaAllah God will be with you,” he told the New Sarawak Tribune on Wednesday (Jan 17). 

Sharing personal interactions and moments between the two brothers, Abang Abdul Karim said Abang Johari would often talk about how he wants to ensure Sarawak’s economic achievements would benefit Sarawakians. 

“Whenever I am invited to attend the same function as him, he would ask me to go there together with him. 

“He always tells me that whatever that he is doing for Sarawak, it is for the people – not for personal gain. 

“He is very passionate in whatever he wants to do and that is his character. 

“He also guides and advises his children in whatever they are pursuing. 

“In fact, I also seek advice from him sometimes,” he said.   

During Abang Johari’s younger days, Abang Abdul Karim said the two were very close and would often follow their late father, Tun Datuk Abang Openg Abang Sapiee.

He said this has influenced and shaped Abang Johari’s leadership which he is very proud of. 

“I think from the way Abang Johari delivers his speeches, it is very similar to our late father’s style. 

“Our late father’s speeches always came from his own thoughts and words, he didn’t need any talking points or things like that whenever he was addressing the people,” he said.

For the record, Abang Johari recently celebrated his seventh year in office on Jan 13.