Apart from continuing Adenan’s legacy, he has embarked on several programmes to push Sarawak forward and generate more income for the state coffers
A LIGHT 1970s tune, Kasih Sayang, by Indonesia’s Favourite Group, accompanied Datuk Amar Abang Johari Abang Openg as he made his way into Asajaya Hall at Grand Margherita Hotel in Kuching last Saturday night.
The hotel was a venue for a session between Abang Johari, fondly known among locals as Abang Jo, and members of the media to commemorate his 100 days in office as chief minister.
The Satok assemblyman was sworn in as Sarawak’s sixth chief minister on Jan 13 following the sudden death of his predecessor and friend, Tan Sri Adenan Satem.
Several topics were discussed and addressed during the more than an hour-long session. At one juncture, as with many previous occasions, Abang Jo, who is the longest state assemblyman in the state, showed his humorous side during the session.
He spoke about how he was “forced” into politics before he could develop his people skills to serve Sarawakian people.
The 66-year-old recalled an incident that happened about 30 years ago, when he was approached by the then Sarawak chief minister, the late Tun Abdul Rahman Yakub.
“I was only 30 and I wanted to focus on my family. At the time, I was sceptical about one’s future in politics. So, I told Rahman I needed a night to deliberate on the matter.
“Little did I know, he had already spoken to my late mother (Toh Puan Dayang Masniah Abang Abdul Rahman),” said Abang Johari, who is the youngest son of Sarawak’s first Yang di-Pertua Negeri, Tun Abang Openg Abang Shapiee.
“The following day, I met my mother and told her about Rahman’s offer.
“My mother at once told me to jangan melawan orang tua (don’t argue with older people). So, I had no other option but to accept the offer,” said Abang Jo, drawing laughter from audience, which included members of the state cabinet.
The Sarawak Barisan Nasional chairman and Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) president also reminisced about the days when the state’s ruling coalition had a political crisis, dubbed the Ming Court Affair, in 1987.
Although there were quarters enticing him to join a splinter party, Abang Jo said he remained loyal to BN and PBB, demonstrating his principle of putting the priorities of Sarawakians first.
“I am not obsessed with positions. If the time comes and God wants me to become the chief minister of Sarawak, so be it.”
He shared the many development programmes introduced by the state government and its accomplishments since he came into office.
This includes the RM2.5 billion acquisition of the Bakun Hydroelectric Power Dam from the Federal Government, the RM1 billion investments to prepare trunk information technology and communication infrastructure for Sarawak to harness its potential in digital economy, the establishment of Sarawak-owned Development Bank of Sarawak (DBOS), the state’s exploration into downstream activities related to the oil and gas industry; and a plan to set up a Light Rail Transport (LRT) system connecting Kuching, Samarahan and Serian.
The next three to four years will be busy for Abang Jo and the state administration to implement the mega-projects and development plans to boost Sarawak.
While detractors are quick to jump the gun and reduce Abang Jo’s vision to wishful thinking, they fail to notice that all the projects announced by the chief minister will strengthen the state’s economic position.
His predecessor had introduced people-friendly principles and initiatives to lessen the rakyat’s burden through several approaches, including the abolishment of tolls.
Abang Johari, besides continuing Adenan’s legacy, has embarked on several programmes to generate more income for the state.
Last year, Sarawak attracted investments amounting to RM11.8 billion, the second highest in Malaysia after Johor (RM31.1 billion). Observers are optimistic that Abang Jo can maintain or rewrite such record.
Political observer Datuk Peter Minos said Abang Jo had soothed Sarawakians still mourning Adenan’s death on Jan 11.
“In a short period, Abang Johari has proven he is a progressive and proactive leader.
“This can be seen from his initiatives to digitise the state economy, the setting-up of DBOS and the LRT system,” said Minos.
Abang Jo has surprised many Sarawakians with his forward-thinking initiatives, and now, the only way for Sarawak is to move forward.
The writer, Adib Povera, born in Kuala Lumpur, raised in Perak, is NST Sarawak bureau chief. A nature lover, he never tires of discovering new sights in the Land of the Hornbills. He can be reaved via adibpovera@nst.com.my