With 30 years in politics, he has the experience to carry on Adenan’s policies
SARAWAK has a new chief minister. If anyone thinks that it is a little too soon, then know this; that, first, there are no constitutional provisions for an acting chief minister, and, second, there is no down time for government.
Naturally, someone must lead, hence, the immediate announcement of a replacement, Datuk Abang Johari Openg, whose father was once governor of Sarawak.
It was widely predicted that he would be the natural choice given his position as deputy president in Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Sarawak (PBB), the largest component in the state’s ruling coalition, Barisan Nasional, led by the late Tan Sri Adenan Satem, who died of heart complications on Wednesday.
Abang Johari was also the deputy chief minister II.
Sworn in yesterday, Abang Johari is Sarawak’s sixth chief minister. That he has the support of his whole party is not at all surprising because he was the man Adenan chose to manage BN’s election strategy last year when the coalition made a near-total sweep, winning 72 of 82 state assembly seats. Given this achievement under his belt, and the approaching 14th General Election, where Sarawak will play a big part in delivering to BN a major win, he is then the wisest choice.
Having been in politics for some 30 years, and holding several state cabinet posts, he has enough experience to continue with the late chief minister’s many unfinished policies, chief of which is the Pan-Borneo Highway project that would bring economic prosperity to the remotest areas of the state.
This is the challenge waiting for the newly-minted chief minister, other than delivering prosperity to the people of Sarawak. Given the approaching general election, there is much leverage there for Abang Johari to continue working and fulfilling Adenan’s legacy.
Everyone who is anyone in Sarawak believes so, including the Yang di-Pertua Negeri, who was for more than 30 years, the chief minister and PBB leader. Putrajaya must also be behind the new chief minister for his political acumen, his ability to deliver the voters of Sarawak to BN. This skill cannot be underestimated. There is every likelihood that Abang Johari will be able to accomplish the wishes dear to the heart of his predecessor, pushing ahead with the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE), for instance, which will drive the state’s aspiration for a fully-developed status. SCORE is targeted for completion by 2030, but already it is driving the state’s gross domestic product growth up substantially. Between access to energy and an upgraded transport infrastructure, there is little in the way of obstacles for Sarawak’s economic vision. Success during his watch as chief minister will prove that Abang Johari is a worthy successor.