Abang Johari's 'humble' style brings huge impact in Sarawak's development - Analyst

The first 100 days of Sarawak Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg in office have been characterised by his ''humble'' style that has brought out about a huge impact on the development of the state, said a socio political analyst.

Associate Professor Dr Awang Azman Awang Pawi of the University of Malaya''s Malay Studies Socio-Cultural Academy Department said Abang Johari did not hesitate in the initial stage to honour the legacy of the former chief minister, the late Tan Sri Adenan Satem, which was still entrenched in the minds of the people of Sarawak.

Abang Johari, who is the youngest son of Sarawak''s first Head of State Tun Abang Openg Abang Sapiee was appointed as the sixth chief minister on January 13 following the demise of Adenan on January 11.

"During that period (first 100 days), Abang Johari succeeded in establishing his own distinctive political style.

"Adenan was known as a leader who brought about political ethno nationalism that emphasised on Sarawak''s rights, pluralism, fight for Sarawak''s royalty, Sarawak state education policy, review of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 while Abang Johari brings about political diplomacy with Putrajaya and addresses these issues by being more Putrajaya friendly but the goals remain the same," he said here today.

He said based on Abang Johari''s first 100 days in office, political transformation was clearly his brand of politics, which could be seen when the chief minister tried to implement a thorough transformation of the state of Sarawak.

According to Awang Azman, the setting up of the Sarawak Development Bank, the acquisition of the Bakun Hydroelectric Dam from the federal government, digital economic policy, plans to build electric trains and a methanol plant in Kidurong, Bintulu were the original ideas of Abang Johari as chief minister, which would leave a legacy in politics and his administration.

"The impact is more comprehensive and will provide (economic) spin-offs to the people," he said, adding that the review of the state housing policy showed that Abang Johari saw its relevance in the context of the current socio-economic and political situation.

"In addition, Abang Johari''s clean image, high integrity and being easily approached by the people help to boost his image as the best choice to replace Adenan," he said.

He was confident that in the near future, Abang Johari would make a cabinet reshuffle that is in accordance to the political transformation policies being executed by him.

"The conclusion is that political diplomacy and political transformation are the keywords of the new Sarawak Chief Minister (Abang Johari).

"It is evident that Abang Johari's leadership is moving towards the state attaining a high income economy by 2030, added Awang Azman.

Another local political analyst Datuk Peter Minos described Abang Johari as a chief minister who is competent and that Sarawak was safe under his leadership.

Minos, who is Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) former deputy publicity chief, also said Abang Johari was a very progressive and proactive leader on many matters.

--BERNAMA