KUCHING: Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg should consider remaining in office beyond 2030 to see Sarawak’s long-term transformation through, says Datuk Seri Wong Soon Koh.
The Bawang Assan assemblyman and Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) senior vice-president said 2030 could be too early for many of the Premier’s ambitious plans to reach their full potential.
“Abang Johari has helped set that vision in motion. It would be a great loss if he were to leave before he has had the opportunity to see much of it come to fruition.
“If he is still healthy, capable and committed to serving the people, perhaps 2030 should not necessarily be the end of the journey, but another milestone on the way towards a greater Sarawak,” he told Sarawak Tribune.
Wong was responding to Abang Johari’s recent remark that “this may be my last time”, made in reference to his future leadership of Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) and the need to prepare younger leaders to eventually take over.
While respecting the Premier’s personal decision, Wong said there was a strong case for him to reconsider for the continuity and long-term interests of Sarawak.
“A visionary leader who has embarked on numerous bold and innovative programmes and major development projects needs sufficient time to see those initiatives through.
“Many of the projects and reforms now being planned or implemented may take many years before their full benefits are realised,” he said.
Wong said continuity was particularly important as Sarawak pursued major initiatives in green and renewable energy, hydrogen, carbon capture and management, hydropower and other emerging low-carbon technologies.
These were not short-term undertakings, he said, as they required long-term planning, substantial investment, technological development, international partnerships and sustained policy direction.
“Sarawak is already positioning itself to become a regional leader in green and renewable energy and a significant player in the emerging hydrogen economy.
“Such a transformation cannot be achieved overnight. It requires continuity of vision, leadership and policy over many years,” he said.
Wong said the development of hydrogen production and related infrastructure, renewable energy, carbon capture and storage, and new green industries could transform Sarawak’s economy over the coming decades.
He said these initiatives could reduce dependence on traditional revenue sources while opening opportunities in clean energy, advanced manufacturing, green technology, research and development, and international investment.
“If successfully implemented, Sarawak could establish itself not merely as a Malaysian leader but as one of the leading centres for green energy and the hydrogen economy in Asia, with a growing presence and reputation in the international community,” he added.
Wong cautioned that a change in leadership at a crucial stage could bring uncertainty to programmes that had taken years to formulate and implement.
He said new leaders would naturally have their own priorities, approaches and policies, potentially disrupting, delaying or altering the intended direction and outcomes of existing programmes.
“Sarawak needs continuity when it is pursuing a long-term transformation,” he said.
On Abang Johari’s reference to age and making way for the younger generation, Wong said age alone should not determine when an experienced leader steps aside.
“If a leader remains healthy, mentally alert, physically capable and willing to shoulder the responsibilities of office, experience should be regarded as an asset rather than a liability,” he said.
Wong said Sarawak was fortunate to have a leader of Abang Johari’s calibre while the state was undergoing significant transformation.
“Leaders with vision, experience, courage and the ability to think beyond the immediate political horizon are not easily found.
“It may take many years — even generations — for another leader with a similar combination of qualities and experience to emerge,” he said.
He stressed that the issue was ultimately not about the length of one individual’s tenure, but the successful realisation of Sarawak’s long-term vision.
The objective, he said, should be to build a stronger, more prosperous, self-reliant and respected Sarawak while establishing a prominent position on the international stage.
“Let the measure of leadership be not age, but ability, vision, health, commitment and the unfinished work that remains to be done for the people.
“For Sarawak, the journey towards becoming a prominent and respected player in the regional and international community has only just begun.
“The continuity of visionary leadership may be crucial to ensuring that the bold vision becomes a lasting reality,” Wong said.
