KUCHING: Another term for Abang Johari could sustain Sarawak’s development momentum while preparing future leaders, says Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah.
The Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Women’s chief and vice-president said she interpreted Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg’s recent remarks as pointing beyond his present term.
“My reading of the Premier’s remarks is that he was referring to the term after the next one, meaning he may be looking at that as his final term.
“Of course, the Premier himself would be in the best position to clarify his intentions,” she told Sarawak Tribune.
She was referring to Abang Johari’s remarks at the PBB Northern Zone Special Convention in Miri on Sept 13, where he spoke about his age and the eventual transition to a younger generation of leaders.
“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.
Fatimah said the case for continuity had to be viewed against the scale of Sarawak’s long-term development agenda and the major initiatives already underway.
“He has laid out a long-term vision and put in motion a number of major initiatives that require time, consistency and strong leadership to fully realise.
“We are seeing Sarawak move with greater confidence in areas such as economic development, infrastructure, energy, digitalisation and greater autonomy.
“It would be important that this momentum is not interrupted.”
For Fatimah, continued leadership and succession planning were not competing considerations.
“If the Premier is prepared to continue for another term, I believe that would be beneficial to Sarawak.
“It would give him the opportunity to consolidate and complete the major initiatives that are already underway, while also providing sufficient time to groom and prepare the next generation of leaders.”
She said preparing those who would eventually take over should itself form part of responsible leadership.
“In my view, a strong leader must not only deliver during his tenure but also ensure that there is a capable generation ready to carry the vision forward.
“The Premier has the experience, mandate and understanding of Sarawak’s aspirations to provide that bridge between the current phase of development and the next generation of leadership.”
Fatimah said any further term could therefore serve as part of the eventual transition rather than merely prolonging the present leadership.
“If he does decide to continue, I see it not simply as extending his tenure, but as an opportunity to complete the work he has started and ensure a smooth, well-prepared transition when the time eventually comes.”
