KUCHING: Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg revealed that Japan’s Emperor Naruhito broke protocol to personally approach him during the conferment of the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star in Tokyo recently.
He said the unexpected gesture was followed by the Emperor recounting several of his past efforts in attracting Japanese investments to Sarawak, showing that his work had long been observed.
“Before the ceremony, we were briefed that we were not allowed to talk to the Emperor. So I just sat quietly. But after presenting the award and giving a short speech, he came straight to me.
“The Emperor broke protocol to approach me. I thought maybe it was because I wore baju Melayu, which was different from everyone else. But he said he knew a bit about our state.
“He recalled that when I was the Industrial Development Minister, I brought in Toko Electronics, Taiyo Yuden and Meidensha. I didn’t realise I had been observed since those days,” he said.
Abang Johari said this during the Premier of Sarawak Special Award (AKPS) 2025 presentation ceremony here Monday (Nov 17).
He received the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star on Nov 11 at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.
The award recognised Sarawak’s longstanding ties with Japan, including its work in advanced technologies and new energy development.
