Ask any Sarawakian what Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg is known for and, besides his vision for Sarawak’s future, chances are one of his trademark catchphrases will quickly come to mind.
Whether during official speeches, press conferences or impromptu conversations with reporters, the Premier has a knack for turning simple Sarawak Malay expressions into memorable one-liners that often leave people smiling, laughing and repeating them long after the event has ended.
Over the years, these sayings have become more than colourful expressions. They have become part of his public persona, offering small glimpses into the way he views leadership, development and the future of Sarawak.
While they may sound casual on the surface, each carries a message that goes far beyond the words themselves.
“Sik berasa”
Among the expressions the Premier uses most often is sik berasa. Literally translated as “it doesn’t feel like it”, he often says it when reflecting on how quickly time passes. It is a phrase that resonates with many because almost everyone has experienced that moment of wondering where the time has gone.
“Baruk marek Jumaat, haritok Jumaat agik”
Closely linked to sik berasa is another phrase he frequently repeats. “Baruk marek Jumaat, haritok Jumaat agik.” Roughly translated, it means, “It feels like it was only Friday yesterday, and now it’s Friday again.” Like sik berasa, the expression captures the feeling that time moves faster than we realise, serving as a gentle reminder that life often passes in the blink of an eye.
“Ketek ajak”
Perhaps one of his most recognisable expressions is ketek ajak. Taken literally, it means “just click”. The Premier often uses the phrase to illustrate how technology has transformed everyday life. Tasks that once required lengthy paperwork, long queues or multiple visits to government offices can now be completed within seconds using nothing more than a smartphone. Whether making payments, accessing public services or retrieving information, everything is now quite literally at our fingertips. When he says ketek ajak, it is his way of highlighting how digital transformation has simplified daily life and why embracing technology is essential to Sarawak’s future.
“Niat kita mesti ikhlas”
Not all of the Premier’s trademark sayings are light-hearted. Some reflect the values that guide his leadership. One he often repeats is “Niat kita mesti ikhlas” — our intentions must be sincere. Whether speaking about governance, policymaking or public service, he frequently reminds people that genuine progress begins with sincerity. For him, leadership is not simply about achieving results, but about ensuring every decision is made with the genuine intention of improving the lives of the people rather than seeking personal recognition or gain.
“Tok semua untuk orang Subuh, kita tok dah Maghrib”
Among his more recent remarks, one stood out for both its simplicity and symbolism. While visiting the newly launched Sarawak Science Centre, the Premier looked around the building before turning to reporters and saying: “Tok semua untuk orang Subuh. Kita tok dah Maghrib.” Loosely translated, it means: “All of this is for those at dawn. As for us, we are already at dusk.” It was not a reference to prayer times. Instead, it was his way of describing generations.
The “Subuh generation” represents today’s children and young people whose lives are only just beginning, while “Maghrib” symbolises those who have already journeyed through much of life. In a single sentence, he summed up the thinking behind many of Sarawak’s long-term investments, from free tertiary education and the digital economy to renewable energy, aerospace and the Sarawak Science Centre itself. These are not policies designed solely for today’s generation. They are investments for the young Sarawakians who will one day inherit the state.
More than catchphrases
Perhaps that is why these sayings continue to resonate long after they are spoken. They are distinctly Sarawakian, easy to remember and often delivered with humour, yet beneath their simplicity lies a consistent philosophy. Time should never be taken for granted, technology should make life easier and every effort must begin with sincere intentions. Ultimately, the decisions made today should always be for those who will inherit tomorrow. To many, they are simply memorable one-liners. But to those who have followed the Premier over the years, they offer something more — small but meaningful windows into the values that have shaped his leadership and the future he hopes to build for Sarawak.
