KUCHING: Sarawak still has major plans that require Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg’s leadership for at least another term
State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Deputy Speaker and Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Supreme Council member Datuk Idris Buang said Abang Johari’s leadership had delivered significant progress while further plans remained to be carried through.
“We hope Premier Abang Johari will continue to lead Sarawak for at least another term.
“His efforts and leadership have been well suited to Sarawak’s development needs and have brought, and continue to bring, extraordinary success,” he told Sarawak Tribune.
He was responding to Abang Johari’s remarks at the PBB Northern Zone Special Convention in Miri on Sept 13.
Abang Johari said he was conscious of the passage of time but would make the decision on his future when the time came.
“I am 76 years old. In four years, I will be 80.
“I want to be frank, this may be my last time. We cannot go against the course of nature, even though in our hearts we may still feel young. Even if we are young at heart, we cannot go against the course of nature.
“But I will make the decision when the time comes,” he said.
Idris said the changes introduced during Abang Johari’s premiership were another reason he hoped the Premier would continue.
“He is still sharp and in good health, and he receives support from every corner of Sarawak.
“Support for his leadership within Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) is at its strongest. There is no issue regarding the support he needs, particularly from his own party, PBB, and GPS,” he said.
While younger leaders continued to be prepared within PBB, he did not see that process as a reason for Abang Johari to step aside while major plans remained unfinished.
“He has always nurtured the next generation of leaders within PBB, but we very much need Abang Johari’s premiership to continue because there are still many plans for Sarawak that require his leadership.
“We pray that he will continue to lead us.
“It is not yet time for him to think about retiring because Sarawak needs him to continue pursuing its agenda,” he said.
