KUCHING: Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg’s recent hint that his current term could be his last should not be interpreted as an announcement that he plans to step down.
Chief Political Secretary to the Premier, Datuk Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman, said Abang Johari had used the word “may”, while any decision on his future remained for the Premier himself to make and announce.
“At the same time, I would not equate that broader message with an announcement that he is retiring. Those are two different things.
“When the Premier has made a decision about his own future, I am sure he will tell Sarawakians himself,” he said when contacted.
Fazzrudin said he viewed Abang Johari’s remarks as carrying a broader message about leadership renewal and the responsibility of leaders to prepare the next generation.
He said leadership should not be about holding on to a position indefinitely, with every generation responsible for preparing those who would eventually come after them.
“There must be renewal, there must be opportunities for younger leaders to emerge, and those of us who are given the privilege to serve must understand that these positions are a trust, not something that belongs to us permanently.
“I think the Premier was demonstrating that principle through his own words,” he said.
Abang Johari, who is Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) president, made the remark during the PBB Northern Zone Special Convention in Miri recently while speaking about leadership succession within the party.
He said older leaders would eventually have to make way for younger members, while stressing the importance of preparing and training the next generation to assume leadership responsibilities.
Fazzrudin, who is the Tupong assemblyman, said the remarks caught his attention, particularly given the scale of transformation Sarawak had undergone under Abang Johari’s leadership.
However, he said they also carried a lesson that leadership should be measured not only by achievements in office but by whether capable people, strong institutions and a clear direction were left for the next generation.
“No leader should assume that a position belongs to him forever. There will eventually come a time for renewal.
“What is important is that when that time comes, the transition strengthens the organisation and allows the next generation to continue building on what has already been achieved.
“I think that is a very healthy culture for the Premier to encourage within Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) and within the leadership of Sarawak,” he added.
Fazzrudin described Abang Johari’s contribution to Sarawak over the past decade as extremely significant, saying he had changed both the state’s direction and its ambitions.
Under his leadership, he said Sarawak had become more assertive in pursuing its rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), strengthening its financial position and developing new revenue sources.
He said Abang Johari had also driven a broader economic vision encompassing renewable and green energy, hydrogen, the digital economy, downstream industries, infrastructure, education and greater connectivity.
“Perhaps one of his most important contributions is changing the way Sarawak sees itself.
“Today, we are increasingly asking not simply what Sarawak needs today, but what kind of Sarawak we want to build for the next 20 or 30 years.
“That change in mindset and confidence is an important part of his legacy,” he said.
Fazzrudin said continuity remained important as many of Sarawak’s major programmes and investments would take longer than a single electoral term to deliver their full results.
He said infrastructure development, the energy transition, education, economic restructuring and development under the Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 required consistent policies and disciplined implementation over many years.
“I am confident the Premier will continue to lead, plan and build strong institutions, a capable team and a clear policy direction so that Sarawak’s development agenda can continue.
“The Premier has laid down a very clear direction. Our responsibility is to ensure that we support the momentum and the targets we have set for Sarawak are achieved,” he said.
On what should determine whether Abang Johari eventually continues, Fazzrudin said it was a personal decision and not for him to say whether the Premier should remain or otherwise.
He believed Abang Johari would consider what was best for Sarawak, the progress of programmes and reforms he had initiated, the readiness of the leadership team and whether there was still work requiring his leadership.
“Knowing the Premier, I believe his principal consideration will be Sarawak rather than himself.
“Whatever decision he eventually makes, it should be respected. Until then, I think we should give him our 100 per cent to lead and concentrate on the work before us,” he said.
