Abang Jo to continue the legacy

KUCHING: Sarawak’s new Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg is expected to continue the legacy of the late Tan Sri Adenan Satem, which won the former state leader much admiration around the country .

Abang Johari, 66, was sworn in as the sixth Chief Minister in front of Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud at the Astana here yesterday, two days after Adenan passed away.

Speaking briefly to the media after the ceremony, Abang Johari thanked Taib and his Barisan Nasional colleagues for their confidence in him to lead the state government.

“Since we are still mourning the loss of the late chief minister, I will only issue a statement after the (seven-day) mourning period. We have to respect the late chief minister,” he said.

Asked when he would reshuffle the state Cabinet, Abang Johari said there was no hurry as the state was still in mourning.

Abang Johari was one of three deputy chief ministers prior to his appointment as Adenan’s successor. He is also deputy president of Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB), the largest party in Sarawak.

Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) president Tan Sri James Masing, who is also a deputy chief minister, said his party would give Abang Johari its “full and undivided support” to administer the state in line with what Adenan wanted.

“Adenan’s dream for rural development will continue with Abang Johari. He is a wise choice as new chief minister. He has three decades of experience as a state legislator and his political acumen is second to none.

“He understands the push and pull of the various ethnic groups and the religious diversity that we have in Sarawak and that each one of us must be listened to,” he said.

Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) president Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian said Abang Johari would continue Adenan’s emphasis on fighting for Sarawak’s rights and advancing the interests of all communities fairly, including the Chinese.

“He has always been supportive of minority interests and promoting multi-racial harmony. His support for the Chinese community in his Satok constituency is well-known.

“He will have the fullest support of SUPP. Together with him, we will continue Adenan's legacy. We look forward to completing the journey started by Adenan for a better and stronger Sarawak,” he said.

PBB senior vice-president Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, whose name had also been mentioned as a possible successor, said the party's senior leaders met Taib yesterday morning and unanimously agreed on Abang Johari’s appointment.

“The strength of our party has always been in the consensus among us. We proposed and accepted that Abang Johari should be the new chief minister.

“He is the right person with all his experience. I'm sure he will be a leader for all races in Sarawak and continue the state’s development agenda,” he said.

Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah, another senior vice-president and deputy chief minister, welcomed Abang Johari’s appointment.

“When Tun (Abdul Taib Mahmud) stepped down, there was a smooth transition. Now we have another smooth transition,” he said.

He described the new chief minister as a man for all races and religions who could steer Sarawak to new heights.

“I am confident that Abang Johari, with his vast experience in the government, can continue the unfinished task of the late chief minister,” he added.