Premier turns down climate change talk in Italy to prioritise new Agong’s swearing-in ceremony next month

Abang Johari speaking during the 2024 New Year countdown event held at Kuching Waterfront on Dec 31, 2023. Screenshot: Sarawak Public Communications Unit Facebook livestream

By Ashley Sim and Nur Ashikin Louis

KUCHING, Jan 1: Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg revealed that he declined an invitation to give a talk about climate change and Sarawak’s new economy in Italy later this month, out of respect for the upcoming swearing-in ceremony of the new Agong.

Abang Johari also disclosed he had the chance to attend the United Nations (UN) Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai, where he had discussions on the global climate.

“All developed countries are concerned about this (climate) issue, so they approached me, and I informed them that Sarawak is no longer net zero. Sarawak is a carbon-negative state. There is more oxygen than carbon,” he said during the ‘2024 New Year Countdown Ceremony’ and the inauguration of the Sarawak flagpole at the Kuching Waterfront here last night.

He said Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah was impressed with the people of Sarawak.

“There is no difference between Muslims or non-Muslims. Iban, Chinese, Melanau, Malay, they are all of the same level and they work together.

“This is what Agong said. That’s why when people called him ‘Abang Agong’, ‘Agong Agong’, he had no problem, because he loves Sarawak,” he added.

Furthermore, the Premier pointed out that the State’s economy will continue to grow and become more stable in 2024.

“We may have a large organisation that we will take over in 2024. Let me announce when I will take over. But God willing, I’m sure everyone’s income will increase,” he remarked. — DayakDaily