KUCHING: Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg’s leadership over the past eight years has been marked by resilience and transformative initiatives, overcoming significant political and economic challenges.
Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Corporate Affairs, Information, and UKAS) Datuk Abdullah Saidol reflected on these milestones, noting the Premier’s steadfast commitment to the state’s progress.
He said one of the Premier’s notable decisions was steering Sarawak’s political course after the fall of the Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition in 2018.
Abang Johari led four Sarawak-based parties in forming Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), a homegrown coalition committed to Sarawak’s autonomy and development.
“Within three years, Premier Abang Johari successfully united all members of GPS under a new political philosophy and future direction with the tagline ‘Sarawak First.’
“The coalition’s strength and solid consolidation were evident in its landslide victory during the 2021 State Election,” he said in a statement.
Under the Premier’s leadership, Abdullah asserted that Sarawak has made remarkable strides in economic recovery through the Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.
He commended Abang Johari for introducing forward-looking policies, including a focus on the digital economy, which enabled Sarawak to achieve record-breaking budget allocations.
“The RM15.8 billion surplus budget is a testament to the Premier’s effective financial strategies,” Abdullah remarked.
Abdullah, who is Semop assemblyman, noted Abang Johari’s earnestness in crafting inclusive, rural-centric policies aimed at improving infrastructure and enhancing welfare.
He said the Premier’s vision extends to embracing globalisation and environmental sustainability.
Sarawak, he said, has advanced in renewable energy, environmental engineering, and green technologies under his guidance, setting a benchmark for other states.
Equally important is Abang Johari’s dedication to developing Sarawak’s human capital.
Abdullah noted the Premier’s education policies, including the introduction of international school syllabi, free tertiary education, and scholarships for Sarawakian students.
“These initiatives aim to nurture a generation of highly skilled, innovative, and competitive individuals.
“His sincere and generous education policies are evident in the introduction of international school syllabi, financial assistance for Sarawakian students, free tertiary education, and a wide range of scholarships,” he said.
