‘Next Sarawak State Election May Be My Last’ – Abang Johari

MIRI: Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has hinted that the upcoming Sarawak State Election may be the last election he contests, having turned 76 on Aug 4.

Speaking before about 3,000 delegates and observers at the Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Northern Zone Special Convention at the Miri Indoor Stadium on Sunday, Abang Johari, popularly known as Abang Jo, said he would make a decision when the time comes.

“To be frank, this may be my last. We cannot defy the laws of nature, even though we may still feel young at heart. However, I will make a decision when the time comes. What matters is that our struggle for PBB will continue,” he said.

Abang Johari said that just as previous leaders had guided and shaped his leadership, he was now preparing the next generation of leaders to carry forward Sarawak’s development agenda.

“They need to learn how to connect with the people, interact with communities of different races and religions, and understand how to build good relationships with everyone so that they do not become toxic,” he said.

He also expressed gratitude for the opportunity to gain experience and guidance from previous leaders, adding that he now considered it his responsibility to mentor a new generation of leaders.

He said efforts to develop future leaders must be continuous, including providing opportunities for new faces to contest elections.

“That is why we must introduce new candidates in every election. In the last election, we fielded new representatives such as Royston Valentine, the Tellian assemblyman, and Azizul Adenan, the Tanjong Datu assemblyman,” he said.

Abang Johari also advised PBB incumbents who may not be renominated in the next election to accept the decision with an open mind.

“If there is a change, do not take it to heart. Sometimes we feel disappointed when we are not selected again, but that is the nature of politics,” he said.

He added that leadership transition was a natural process and should be accepted as part of the political cycle, with younger generations given the opportunity to take over leadership roles.

For the record, more than 20 per cent of Sarawak’s current State Legislative Assembly members are over the age of 70, including one who is over 80.

Abang Johari began his political career in 1979 and was appointed Premier of Sarawak in 2017.

Awani