KUCHING: Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has been conferred the 2024 World Outstanding Muslim Leader Of The Year Award in recognition of his visionary leadership, unwavering dedication, and a profound impact on society.
The award was presented by World Muslim Leadership Forum (WMLF) chairman Datuk Seri Mohamed Iqbal Rawther and Standard Chartered Bank Malaysia chief executive officer Mak Joon Nien at the Asean Sarawak Business and Economic Forum 2025: Collaborative Growth in Asean’s Evolving Economic Landscape held at Riverside Majestic Hotel here today.
Abang Johari has championed economic progress, strengthen social harmony and elevated Sarawak standing on the global stage.
The Premier was also praised as a leader who is committed to sustainability, digital transformation, inclusive growth and position the state as a beacon of prosperity within Asean and beyond.
Earlier in his introductory speech, Asean Business Club (ABC) president and CARI Asean Research and Advocacy chairman Tan Sri Dr Munir Majid lauded Sarawak’s approach on religion matters.
“It is open and accommodating, reflecting the edict of the Al-Qadirun in the Quran. You follow your religion and I will follow mine.
“And there’s no xenophobia in Sarawak under the Premier,” he said.
He added that with the state’s greater autonomy, Abang Johari has used it as a foundation to drive for the betterment of the economy in a responsible and sustainable manner.
“Whilst I must note, challenges remain, particularly the rural-urban divide. But Sarawak is changing and has become the go-to growth area in Malaysia,” he said.
Munir then recalled knowing Abang Johari since the 1980s, noting the latter had gained experience and underwent an apprenticeship in government in 1984 when he was appointed Assistant Minister of Regional and Community Development, following his election as a state assemblyman in 1981.
“Now, the long experience, some may say wait, has been put to good use since he became Sarawak’s sixth head of government in 2017, over seven years ago.
“Then, since 2018, Abang Johari’s Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government has been the balancing or, the stabilising force in Malaysian politics, holding the key to the survival of Malaysian central governments, a position he holds with strength and wisdom.
“Today, Sarawak stands out for his pragmatic and liberal approach to education, which has been especially emphasised by his administration,” he said.
Munir, who is also the Institute for Capital Market Research Malaysia (ICMR) chairman added in Sarawak, English remains integral in the education system, and starting next year, Sarawakians will have access to free tertiary education and with Abang Johari recently affirming that there will be no bond or restriction on graduates’ mobility.
“A very brave move that should be noted by all to show his confidence in their desire to work and remain in Sarawak,” he said.
He also lauded Abang Johari’s focus on renewable energy, infrastructure, and digital transformation which has set the state on the path toward sustainable growth.
“Sarawak has become a model for regional development in Southeast Asia. It has surplus energy, positioning itself as a regional energy hub.
“While, the state’s hydrogen economy roadmap is a pioneering initiative, although, challenges remain in scaling up hydrogen energy and ensuring environmental safeguards.
“So these are exciting times for Sarawak under the Premier, with also diversification into aluminium smelting, manufacturing, greater tourism, and agricultural modernisation,” he said.
