KUCHING: Writing the biography of a prominent figure such as the Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, not only documents the life journey of a leader but also serves as a valuable reference for future generations to understand the history and foundational development of the state.
Head of State, Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, said that the life of a political figure spanning more than four decades cannot be summarised in a single book due to the complexity of events, decisions and experiences that shape one’s leadership.
“Like I said all the time, I am too a writer. The life of a person, that I said earlier, 42 years ago, being in politics, cannot be summarised in one single book.
“In my book I say, writing of an event is just like seven blind men discussing elephants. Even if you produce each blind man into writing, you can never produce an elephant.
“That’s how difficult the task that Professor Michael Leigh has undergone in doing what he did for this biography,” he said.
He said this in his speech during the launching of the book, ‘Abang Johari: Sarawak’s First Premier, A Political Biography’, by Prof. Dr Michael Leigh at the Dayak Cultural Foundation (DCF) here today.
He added that the author’s dedication, meticulous research and authoritative analysis are essential to ensure that the life journey and leadership of Abang Johari are accurately recorded.
“Of course, according to the Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, his interpretation of what happened along the way.
“But research is a lasting reference for the future generation. So whenever you read a book, you read what is written and also what was and is not written. The Malay says, yang tersurat dan tersirat.
“For these reasons, this biography must be written with great care, depth and scholarly rigour. Entrusted with this work, Professor Michael carries the responsibility of presenting not only the Premier’s achievements, but also the ideas, values and leadership philosophy that have shaped his journey,” he added.
Meanwhile, he expressed appreciation to the DCF for the initiative to publish the important biography, describing it as a commendable commitment to preserving and upholding the history of Sarawak.
“The Professor is a renowned scholar and he is no stranger to understanding Sarawak’s political and social landscape.
“His involvement and works since the 1960s – including ‘The Rising Moon: Political Change in Sarawak 1959-1972’, ‘Council Negri Sarawak: Malaysia’s Oldest Legislature’ and ‘Mapping the Peoples of Sarawak’ – have laid an important foundation in academic studies on the state,” he said.
Wan Junaidi said, with comprehensive research and authoritative analysis, the biography will stand as an authentic record of a crucial era of transformation in Sarawak’s development, enabling future generations to appreciate the impact of the leadership and principles underpinning it.
“This biography is more than a documentation of leadership. It is a testament to our state’s progress, and a reminder of the vision, wisdom, and dedication that continue to lead Sarawak toward a stronger and more prosperous future,” he said.
