KUCHING: Political analyst Datuk Dr Jeniri Amir has dismissed speculation of a behind-the-scenes power struggle within Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB), saying that Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg and his deputy Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan remain closely aligned.
This comes after an FMT report last month suggested a developing divide at the top of the party, with factions allegedly positioning themselves for influence over Sarawak’s political future.
However, Jeniri, a senior fellow at the National Professors Council, explained that the two leaders share a strong, long-standing bond built on mutual respect and loyalty, which he believes is unlikely to be broken.
“Awang Tengah has always been loyal to Abang Johari,” Jeniri was quoted as saying in an FMT news article today.
He noted that this loyalty dates back nearly four decades to the 1987 ‘Ming Court affair’”’, when then-chief minister Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud faced an attempt by his uncle and predecessor, Tun Datuk Patinggi Abdul Rahman Ya’kub, to unseat him.
“At the time, the state was facing a potential political coup,” he explained, referring to how 27 assemblymen withdrew support for Taib, leading to the dissolution of the state assembly and the calling for a fresh election.
Taib narrowly defeated Rahman’s newly formed party, Persatuan Rakyat Malaysia Sarawak, which was later dissolved in 1991.
“Had Taib lost the 1987 election, Rahman could have positioned someone else as chief minister,” Jeniri added.
He credited Abang Johari for supporting Awang Tengah’s rise to political prominence during this critical period.
“Not many people remember this, but it was Abang Johari who suggested that Awang Tengah be fielded as a candidate for the Lawas state seat at the height of the Ming Court affair,” he said.
Awang Tengah, at just 24 years old, won uncontested and has represented the constituency, now known as Bukit Sari, for nine consecutive terms.
Jeniri said the Ming Court affair left a lasting legacy on PBB, instilling a culture of loyalty and unity within the party, which continues to influence its leadership today.
“When Abang Johari became Premier in 2017 after the passing of Pehin Sri Tan Sri Adenan Satem, Awang Tengah fully supported him.
“Let’s not forget, Abang Johari was passed over once too. When Taib stepped down, many expected Abang Johari to take over as the Chief Minister.
“But it was Adenan who was chosen. Yet Abang Johari remained loyal and didn’t create problems. That’s how PBB maintains unity,” he said, referring to the dominant party within the ruling Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS).
Describing both leaders as products of PBB’s disciplined leadership culture, Jeniri stressed that the party’s hierarchical and structured model is key to its stability.
“They both understand party discipline. Even if there are ambitions, those are kept within the framework of the party. They don’t go to war with each other,” he added.
He also highlighted the complementary roles of the two leaders.
He said Abang Johari sets the direction for Sarawak’s development, focusing on the digital economy, green economy, and addressing the rural-urban divide.
Meanwhile, Awang Tengah handles the implementation, particularly in land matters, trade, industry, and natural resources.
“This is how Sarawak ensures power-sharing. It’s inclusive leadership, which is critical for political stability in a multi-ethnic state,” Jeniri said.
