KUCHING: Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian praised biographer Datuk Dr Jeniri Amir for writing the biography Tun Openg: Sarawak’s First Governor.
He said the biography not only preserves a national treasure for future generations but also serves as an inspiration for Sarawak’s nation-building efforts.
“Thanks Datuk Dr Jeniri Amir and team for dedicating 16 years to research across the nation, Singapore, and London,” he said in a Facebook post yesterday (Aug 4).
Meanwhile, on Tun Abang Openg Abang Sapiee, Dr Sim said Abang Openg was not only the first post-colonial governor of Sarawak but also a key leader in the negotiations for the Malaysia Agreement, which resulted in the formation of Malaysia by Singapore, Sabah, Sarawak, and Malaya.
“Of course, he was also the father of our Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
“From what was shared, Abang Openg was a lifelong learner. He attended night school for the Lower Cambridge Examination at St Anthony while working in the civil service, embodying humility and integrity,” he said.
Dr Sim said Abang Johari has indeed carried on Abang Openg’s legacy.
“I personally understand the advantages and disadvantages of having a father who was a ‘giant’ in the nation,” he added.
The biography was launched yesterday (Aug 4) by Abang Johari at Hikmah Exchange Event Centre.
