Pundit: Replacing S’wak Premier won’t be easy as Abang Johari sets high bar for State leadership

Dato Peter Minos

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, Sept 14: Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg’s track record has set a tough standard for whoever succeeds him, according to political analyst Dato Peter Minos, who described the benchmark as “extremely high”.

As public curiosity grows over the State’s future political landscape, Minos noted that Sarawakians are already pondering who could eventually take the helm, even as he maintains that the Premier should remain in office until 2030.

“Many Sarawakians are beginning to ask who is likely to take over when the Premier eventually leaves the political scene,” he said in a statement today.

While several potential successors are emerging within Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB), he cautioned that it remains far too early to determine who will ultimately step up.

“There are, of course, a few aspiring leaders in PBB, and we all know who they are. But it is impossible to predict who will eventually emerge.

“Perhaps only the Premier knows or has someone in mind,” he observed.

This uncertainty is compounded by the sheer bar set by the current administration.

According to him, Abang Johari’s track record presents a formidable challenge for anyone preparing to follow in his footsteps.

“The Premier has set an extremely high standard, so high that it is almost impossible to find another who is equal to or better than him. Sarawakians say this, and I fully agree,” he said.

Turning to the timeline of Abang Johari’s tenure, Minos addressed recent speculative reports, reiterating his conviction that the Premier should serve out his full mandate over the next five years.

“I still believe his final term should run until 2030, when he will be 80.

“I believe that is the right time,” he said, emphasising that while the State still needs his vision, any personal decision by the Premier to step down sooner must ultimately be respected.

“If he believes that he should leave after one more term, we must respect his decision. We cannot go against his wishes,” he added.

Looking beyond the current term, he stressed that the primary focus for any future leadership transition must be safeguarding the State’s ongoing political stability and socio-economic momentum.

“We pray and hope that his successor will excel like the Premier, and that Sarawak will continue to advance and prosper, with the unity and political stability we have today,” he said.

Minos expressed confidence in Sarawak’s trajectory towards becoming an economically advanced State, provided the current leadership continuity remains intact.

“In the meantime, we hope and pray that the Premier will lead Sarawak until 2030, and not for just one more year,” he concluded. — DayakDaily