KUCHING: A new 109-page biography chronicles the leadership journey of Sarawak’s first Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, fondly known as Abang Jo, showcasing how his leadership has set new benchmarks both in Sarawak and across Malaysia.
Titled ‘Abang Johari: Sarawak’s First Premier, A Political Biography’ and authored by Professor Dr Michael Leigh, the book, adorned with a hard cover in Sarawak’s flag colours of yellow, red and black, highlights the Premier’s leadership, rooted in vision and determination to accelerate the state’s development.
The book’s synopsis details how an economics graduate dedicated his efforts to reclaim Sarawak’s rightful entitlements under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and related legislation preceding the formation of Malaysia.
Leigh explained that his motivation for writing the book stemmed from a desire to understand what distinguishes Abang Johari from Sarawak’s previous two chief ministers.
He shared that he at first had declined the opportunity to write the political biography, noting that prior works such as ‘Perjalanan Politik Abang Johari Premier Sarawak’ by Dr Roosfa Hashim, and ‘Shaping Sarawak’ by Datuk Dr Jeniri Amir, had already explored the Premier’s political journey.
“However, after several discussions, I eventually agreed to write a manuscript that records Abang Johari’s achievements and the challenges he faced in shaping the state’s development policies throughout his leadership.
“This biography emphasises Abang Johari’s uniqueness, including his aristocratic or noble background. Yet he remains humble and is widely known as Abang Jo.
“As an individual with a background in economics, his main focus is ensuring that Sarawak obtains the resources needed for comprehensive state development, not just for a select few,” said Leigh.
“Two main strategies have been identified as the pillars of his leadership. First, advocating for a fair share of proceeds from the sale of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and Sarawak’s offshore petrochemical reserves.
“Partial success in this struggle opened up broad resource opportunities for the benefit of the people of Sarawak. He has the ability to lead this effort without being burdened by old agreements signed by the previous two Chief Ministers.”
Leigh said this at the launch of the biography, which was officiated by Head of State, Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, and attended by Abang Johari, at the Dayak Cultural Foundation here today.
He further noted that the Premier’s second strategy, less known to the public, is ensuring that Sarawak retains and reinvests revenue from its natural resources.
“Immediately upon being appointed Chief Minister, now known as Premier, he increased the premiums paid to the state for timber exports, even though previously only a small portion of the revenue was received,” he added.
“This action was also accompanied by a promise of zero corruption from all ministers in his cabinet, signaling a new era of clean and integrity-driven administration.”
Leigh added that these measures represented monumental efforts to ensure Sarawak’s natural wealth was reinvested for the benefit of its people rather than sent abroad to Western countries.
“His inclusive leadership not only benefits fast and equitable development in Sarawak but also serves as a model internationally, including recognition from the Emperor and the Government of Japan,” he reiterated.
Describing the honour of writing the biography as a privilege, he said it allowed him to analyse, document and acknowledge Abang Johari’s dedication to Sarawak’s development.
The biography does not only records Abang Johari’s achievements and challenges, but also highlights his personal integrity, which underpins his leadership, along with the transformational strategies he employs to prioritise the well-being of the people.
The book’s synopsis details how an economics graduate dedicated his efforts to reclaim Sarawak’s rightful entitlements under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and related legislation preceding the formation of Malaysia.
Leigh explained that his motivation for writing the book stemmed from a desire to understand what distinguishes Abang Johari from Sarawak’s previous two chief ministers.
He shared that he at first had declined the opportunity to write the political biography, noting that prior works such as ‘Perjalanan Politik Abang Johari Premier Sarawak’ by Dr Roosfa Hashim, and ‘Shaping Sarawak’ by Datuk Dr Jeniri Amir, had already explored the Premier’s political journey.
“However, after several discussions, I eventually agreed to write a manuscript that records Abang Johari’s achievements and the challenges he faced in shaping the state’s development policies throughout his leadership.
“This biography emphasises Abang Johari’s uniqueness, including his aristocratic or noble background. Yet he remains humble and is widely known as Abang Jo.
“As an individual with a background in economics, his main focus is ensuring that Sarawak obtains the resources needed for comprehensive state development, not just for a select few,” said Leigh.
“Two main strategies have been identified as the pillars of his leadership. First, advocating for a fair share of proceeds from the sale of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and Sarawak’s offshore petrochemical reserves.
“Partial success in this struggle opened up broad resource opportunities for the benefit of the people of Sarawak. He has the ability to lead this effort without being burdened by old agreements signed by the previous two Chief Ministers.”
Leigh said this at the launch of the biography, which was officiated by Head of State, Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, and attended by Abang Johari, at the Dayak Cultural Foundation here today.
He further noted that the Premier’s second strategy, less known to the public, is ensuring that Sarawak retains and reinvests revenue from its natural resources.
“Immediately upon being appointed Chief Minister, now known as Premier, he increased the premiums paid to the state for timber exports, even though previously only a small portion of the revenue was received,” he added.
“This action was also accompanied by a promise of zero corruption from all ministers in his cabinet, signaling a new era of clean and integrity-driven administration.”
Leigh added that these measures represented monumental efforts to ensure Sarawak’s natural wealth was reinvested for the benefit of its people rather than sent abroad to Western countries.
“His inclusive leadership not only benefits fast and equitable development in Sarawak but also serves as a model internationally, including recognition from the Emperor and the Government of Japan,” he reiterated.
Describing the honour of writing the biography as a privilege, he said it allowed him to analyse, document and acknowledge Abang Johari’s dedication to Sarawak’s development.
The biography does not only records Abang Johari’s achievements and challenges, but also highlights his personal integrity, which underpins his leadership, along with the transformational strategies he employs to prioritise the well-being of the people.