KUCHING: Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg described the conferment of the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star by Emperor Naruhito as a historic recognition of the collaborative journey between Sarawak and Japan which he has driven for more than 30 years.
According to him, the honour acknowledges contributions documented by the Japanese government itself, including his success in bringing Toko Electronics (Sarawak) Sdn. Bhd. and Taiyo Yuden (Sarawak) Sdn. Bhd. into Samajaya when he helmed the Industrial Development Ministry portfolio.
He added that Japan’s records also highlight his early role in initiating trade and diplomatic ties through the Malaysia-Japan Economic Association (MAJECA) and the Japan-Malaysia Economic Association (JAMECA), as well as his support for reforestation efforts between the Sarawak and Japanese governments.
“It was then that I realised it has been more than 30 years. If I were not the Premier of Sarawak today, I think I might not have received the award.
“My most recent contribution, and possibly with more to come in the future, is driving hydrogen cooperation in Japan with Mitsubishi and Sumitomo as part of a new initiative between Japan and Malaysia.
“The Japanese officials explained to me that these were among the contributions I had made, some of which I had forgotten myself, but which they had recorded,” he said during a dialogue session at the Leadership Soiree Dinner (Sarawak Woman of Tomorrow 2025) held here on Tuesday (Nov 25).
The Premier also explained that he initially wondered about the reason behind the conferment, as such a prestigious award is usually given to national-level leaders.
However, he said Japan clarified that the long record of his contributions spanning more than three decades formed the main basis for the ho
