KUCHING: Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg paid tribute to his late father, Tun Abang Openg Abang Sapiee, describing him as a man of integrity who placed great importance on education.
He recounted how Abang Openg who was born in 1905 had gone out of his way to get an education.
“Before the war the people in Sarawak, especially the bumiputera, were mostly illiterate,” he said.
“There were no schools, so it was challenging to get an education.
“My father managed to work as a clerk and served in the native office,” he said, adding, “he then worked in Sarikei as a junior officer at the native office there.”
In Sarikei he attended night classes at St Anthony’s School and studied for the Junior Cambridge examination.
“This shows the importance of knowledge. Because of his background in pursuing education independently, he eventually rose to become a senior officer in the native office and continued his public service until he became an acting resident,” he said.
“Perhaps, due to his persistence, he was appointed as a member of the Council Negeri in 1941 by the Brooke administration and later appointed as the Governor of Sarawak. This was his journey.”
Abang Johari recounted his father’s early days when officiating at the launching of the Tun Openg: Sarawak’s First Governor biography at Hikmah Exchange Event Centre here on Sunday (Aug 4).
He also recalled that he had the opportunity to accompany Abang Openg on visits as Governor.
“During school holidays, he would take me along on his visits to places like Kampung Sekaan Matu, Kampung Kuala Rajang, Belawai, and the Kuching area, including Simunjan, and up to Kampung Moyan.
“During those visits, he would engage with the people, often in a relaxed manner, without much formality,” he said, underscoring the significant contributions his father made to the development of Sarawak.
In this context he said the ruling Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) also emphasises education for the children of Sarawak so they can be knowledgeable.
“If my father could learn in night classes and gain knowledge, we must provide adequate education for the children of Sarawak for the future.
“That is why we decided to offer free tertiary education to all Sarawakian children at state-owned universities,” he said.
Abang Johari also described his father as a man of integrity who was a mentor to him and his brother Datuk Seri Abang Abdul Karim Tun Openg who was also present at the launching.
At the function he also put on record his deep appreciation to Datuk Dr Jeniri Amir for writing the biography.
“Thank you to Jeniri, who spent 16 years researching the life and contributions of our father.
“I didn’t know he was conducting this research, but I believe it is very thorough. I understand he travelled to Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and then to London to the archives for the history and journey of Sarawak, which were pioneered by our father and his colleagues,” he said.
Meanwhile, author Dr Jeniri expressed pride and satisfaction at finally completing the extensive research on Abang Openg.
“It took over 15 years of work, beginning in 2008, before this biography could be published,” he said, describing Abang Openg
as a very extraordinary person, who had lived in extraordinary times.
“A born leader. Intelligent, honest, sincere, humble, with high integrity and a warm personality,” he said.
Among those present were Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan and Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah and Satok assemblyman Datuk Ibrahim Baki.
