KUCHING: Speculation over which term Premier Abang Johari meant by his “last time” remark should not be read too far.
Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Supreme Council member Senator Datuk Ahmad Ibrahim said only the Premier himself knew when the right time would be.
“I do not think we should speculate or read too much into whether the Premier was referring specifically to this term or the next. Only he knows when he feels the right time will be,” he told Sarawak Tribune.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg had spoken about his age and eventual leadership succession at the PBB Northern Zone Special Convention in Miri on Sept 13.
“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,” Abang Johari said.
Ahmad said he understood the remarks in the broader context of leadership and the natural passage of time, rather than as a definitive announcement of when the Premier intended to step aside.
“Leaders come and go, and eventually all of us reach a stage in life when we begin to think about succession and retirement.
“That is why maintaining good health, both physically and mentally, is important for anyone who wishes to continue serving.”
He also saw a message in the remarks for the wider PBB leadership.
“Many have served the party and Sarawak with distinction for decades.
“Inevitably, as we grow older, there must also be space and opportunities for the younger generation who are being groomed, trained and prepared to serve.”
He said the discussion over eventual succession also had to take into account the long-term nature of Sarawak’s development agenda.
“Continuity is certainly important because the Premier has laid out an ambitious and long-term vision for Sarawak, much of which extends beyond a single electoral term.”
He pointed to previous changes at the top, from the late Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud to the late Pehin Sri Adenan Satem and subsequently Abang Johari.
“Each administration continued what was good from the previous leadership, while introducing new ideas, new priorities and improvements upon what had already been built.”
For Ahmad, that experience offered grounds for confidence when another transition eventually takes place.
“Therefore, I would tell Sarawakians not to be overly worried that the Premier’s vision or development agenda will suddenly disappear whenever a leadership transition eventually takes place.
“Good policies, sound institutions and long-term plans belong to Sarawak, not merely to one individual.
“A strong successor should continue what is good, improve what can be improved, and take Sarawak further.”
On whether Abang Johari could remain for another term, he said that if the Premier decides that he has the health, energy and desire to continue serving for another term, that would provide additional time to advance many of the major programmes already underway, while continuing to prepare the next generation of leaders.
“But ultimately, that decision must be his, together with the collective decision and support of the top party leadership.”
Ahmad also addressed preparations within PBB for an eventual change in leadership.
“What gives me confidence is that succession planning is already taking place. Younger leaders are being given opportunities, trained and exposed to greater responsibilities.
“When the appropriate time comes, I believe there will be an orderly transition to new leadership with the support of the party’s senior leadership and grassroots.”
As for the role of whoever eventually takes over, he said that whoever eventually succeeds the Premier should not merely preserve everything exactly as it is.
“Good leadership means continuing what works, strengthening what can be improved and bringing new ideas to meet new challenges.”
He also placed the issue within Sarawak’s multiracial and multi-religious society and Gabungan Parti Sarawak’s (GPS) composition of four component parties.
“Our strength has always come from our ability to work together despite our different backgrounds.
“All Sarawakians must therefore continue to work together with the leadership for the greater good of our beloved Sarawak.”
Ahmad said the wider objective had to extend beyond whoever occupied the state’s top leadership position.
“Sarawak has benefitted from political stability, continuity and unity over many years. That must remain our priority.
“Leaders will eventually change, but our purpose must remain the same: to build a more prosperous, stronger and more united Sarawak, while continuing to contribute positively to Malaysia.”
