Sarawak leaders laud Abang Johari’s nine years of visionary leadership

KUCHING (Jan 14): Sarawak political leaders have lauded Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg for his leadership as he marks nine years as Sarawak Premier, crediting him with steering the state towards political stability, stronger finances and long-term sustainable development.

Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian described Sarawak as “very fortunate” to be led by Abang Johari, who has more than 40 years of political experience.

He reflected on developments since the change of the federal government in 2018, when Sarawak experienced a “second awakening” and realised the importance of financial autonomy for the state.

“After nine years, Sarawak is not only not bankrupt but Sarawak’s revenue by this year will be more than 200 per cent increase compared to 2008.

“Our ‘K’ is not for ‘kaya’ (rich), but Sarawak’s revenue is almost equivalent to the combined revenue of nine states in West Malaysia, and many in Malaysia and the region are now looking up to Sarawak with respect and hope,” he said in a statement posted on his Facebook page.

Dr Sim credited Abang Johari with tackling long-standing infrastructure challenges that had remained unresolved for decades due to funding constraints.

“Under Premier Abang Jo, infrastructure issues that we did not have money to do for the last 63 years are now being addressed,” he said, citing the state-funded coastal highway costing about RM5.42 billion and the second trunk road costing about RM5.58 billion.

“If we shared the money instead of doing the projects, every Sarawakian could receive more than RM4,000,” he added.

He also highlighted people-centric initiatives such as the Sarawak Basic Needs Assistance (SKAS), noting that almost one in two adult Sarawakians are entitled to assistance to cope with the rising cost of living.

“This is part of Premier Abang Jo’s principle of giving back to the people and sharing our wealth,” he said.

On education, he said the introduction of the free tertiary education and other education programmes was aimed at long-term talent development.

“The younger generations must be smarter than Abang Jo and I, so that they can sustain our prosperity and our Sarawak nation-building,” he said.

Dr Sim further pointed to strategic initiatives under Abang Johari’s leadership, including the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 focusing on economic prosperity, inclusivity and environmental sustainability, as well as various ‘Sarawak First’ initiatives spanning digital payments, energy, banking, broadcasting, security, sovereign wealth, ports and aviation.

Meanwhile, Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said Abang Johari’s nine-year administration had brought many achievements to the state.

He noted that Abang Johari, in his special address at the Amanat Perdana ceremony yesterday, had emphasised that Sarawak will adopt the circular economy as the core principle in managing solid waste, in line with environmental sustainability under PCDS 2030.

“Sarawak will implement energy generation from waste and material recovery initiatives in a structured and commercially viable manner to reduce reliance on landfills, improve resource efficiency and contribute to the reduction of carbon emissions.

“At the same time, these initiatives will create additional income opportunities for rural communities while strengthening food and energy security,” he said on his Facebook.

Looking ahead, he said many plans have been carefully laid out for Bumi Kenyalang in 2026.

“We, the people of Sarawak, will continue to support the administration of our Sarawak Premier,” said Nanta.

Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Minister Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah also congratulated Abang Johari on his ninth anniversary as Premier, describing his leadership as visionary and exemplary.

“Under his stewardship, Sarawak has made great strides in promoting inclusivity, safeguarding the disadvantaged and needy, and strengthening the principles of diversity, equality, equity and inclusivity, particularly for women,” she said.

She added that the Premier’s commitment was reflected in the increased participation of women at decision-making levels, including the recent appointment of a woman as Deputy State Secretary.

“May his leadership continue to inspire a just, inclusive, progressive and exemplary Sarawak for all,” she said.

Abang Johari celebrated his ninth anniversary leading Sarawak yesterday.