KUCHING: Caretaker Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg’s extensive knowledge, strategic vision and ability to generate revenue have earned him admiration beyond Sarawak, including among people in Peninsular Malaysia and abroad.
Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) senior vice-president Datuk Amar Fadillah Yusof said Abang Johari’s leadership was widely recognised not only for his forward-looking vision but also for his broad knowledge and ability to identify opportunities to strengthen the state’s financial position.
“People admire not only his vision but also his extensive knowledge. Some have described him as having the mind of a scientist, the knowledge of an accountant and an exceptional ability to identify financial resources and generate revenue,” he said.
He said this during the PBB Southern Zone Special Convention 2026 at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) on Sunday (Nov 15).
Fadillah who is also Deputy Prime Minister said the Premier’s ability to increase Sarawak’s revenue had enabled the state government to channel greater resources back to the people through various assistance programmes and development initiatives.
He cited Sarawak’s RM14.85 billion Budget 2027, compared with RM12.9 billion in the previous year, as evidence of the state’s growing financial capacity under Abang Johari’s administration.
He also highlighted the RM650 million allocation for the Sarawak Basic Needs Contribution (SKAS) in 2027, alongside other initiatives benefiting various segments of society, including newborns, mothers, senior citizens and students.
He said the benefits of the state government’s policies were not merely announcements but tangible initiatives that people could experience in their daily lives.
Fadillah also pointed to the state’s infrastructure development, particularly the construction of bridges, saying Abang Johari had demonstrated his determination to deliver projects that had previously been cancelled.
Recalling his 22-month tenure as Works Minister, he said three bridges that were supposed to be built had been cancelled, but Abang Johari subsequently pushed for an additional 22 bridges.
“That is the spirit of Sarawakians. He does not merely express his frustration; he demonstrates it through action,” he said.
On the development prospects of the Southern Zone, Fadillah said Tanjung Embang, previously a relatively little-known village, had the potential to become a major growth centre through proposed developments involving a deep-sea port, an international airport and a terminal gateway.
“The overall development is expected to involve investments worth approximately RM100 billion for this area alone. This means tremendous opportunities lie ahead for the Southern Zone,” he said.
He also attributed Sarawak’s growing appeal among international investors to Abang Johari’s leadership, clear government policies, political stability and the state’s emphasis on developing skilled human capital.
“We have the workforce and human capital required. From the very beginning, the Premier had already taken steps towards developing renewable energy. While other states, including those in Peninsular Malaysia, are only beginning to follow this direction, Sarawak had already moved ahead.
“When I became a minister, I could see for myself what our Premier had accomplished. Many of the initiatives implemented in Sarawak are now serving as examples for other states to follow,” he said.
