Age is just a number:  Buddhist leader urges Abang Johari to stay on for two more terms

Tay Chin Kin interviewed on Sept 15, 2026.

By Lian Cheng

KUCHING, Sept 16: Deeming Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, 76, healthy and competent, a Sarawak Buddhist leader has urged him to remain in office for two more terms.

Chairman of the Malaysian Buddhist Association, Sarawak branch Dato Sri Tay Chin Kin stated that Premier Abang Johari, a visionary leader who has elevated Sarawak as a benchmark of harmony for all of Malaysia, who possesses the stamina and innovative capability required to continue leading the state, should not step down at his prime.

“There are those who are younger but already look much older; those who hunched and lack the energy to undertake tasks despite being younger. But not the Premier.  Even though at the age of 76, he walks straight.  He stays energetic and sharp. He should stay for another 10 years because his health permits that,” Tay told DayakDaily on Wednesday (Sept 15, 2026).

Tay was addressing recent reports in which Abang Johari hinted at retiring to enable a smooth leadership transition for younger successors.

Tay, 82, who is the founder of Amalgamated Batteries Manufacturing, said he had witnessed the regimes of all Sarawak’s chief ministers from the first Chief Minister Tan Sri Stephen Kalong Ningkan and now the administration of Abang Johari.

“I have lived through all five Sarawak’s chief ministers.  And now we have Abang Johari who is the Premier. I have known him for 40 years.  I had been to his house.  He eats simple.  There were no lavish meals, but simple meals of small fish, vegetable and fruits.

“He stays in the same house for decades.  And despite being the top leader of Sarawak, he maintains the same mannerism and attitude:  humble, candid and emphatic where he takes the welfare of the people as top priority.”

According to Tay, founder and chairman of the Che Hia Khor Moral Uplifting Society Kuching Kidney Foundation, empathy is essential for leadership. Only an empathetic leader actively ensures that those under their care can put food on the table for their families.

“He has all the right qualities to lead  Sarawak.  He has the health.  Age is just a number in his case; he has the intelligence capacity and the idea to lead Sarawak in the right direction; he understands the hardship of the people and feels for them.  What else can we ask for?  He should stay on since he is doing a good job,” said Tay.–DayakDaily