KUCHING: In Peninsular Malaysia, the Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, is considered a potential Prime Minister, according to Prof Dr Roosfa Hashim, a prolific biographer.
This perspective comes from an academic with extensive experience in publishing from the peninsula. Dr Roosfa has been closely following Abang Johari’s development for decades and recognises his potential. As a result, he has decided to write a biography about Abang Johari, who currently serves as the sixth Premier of Sarawak.
The creation of this book involved extensive research, data collection and interviews, and after more than a decade of effort, it will soon be launched.
Roosfa stated that his decision to write a biography about Abang Johari stemmed from recognising the immense potential of the political figure.
He explained that despite being the child of the first Head of State, Tun Datuk Abang Openg Abang Sapiee, Abang Johari’s political journey was not easy, as revealed through thorough research.
The prolonged duration to finalise the biography was due to Roosfa’s desire to see Abang Johari reach the highest point of success in his life without leaving the biography unfinished.
Roosfa further explained that Abang Johari had the potential to assume the role of chief minister (Premier), but he was not selected for the position at that time.
However, Abang Johari remained dedicated and sincere in serving the party, Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB), as well as the people. Eventually, in 2017, he was appointed as the chief minister (Premier), which led Roosfa to incorporate his contributions into the book.
Roosfa began writing the biography in 2010 and personally met and interviewed Abang Johari in January 2011 when the latter was the Minister of Housing.
Describing Abang Johari as friendly and open, Roosfa mentioned that the former shared a collection of photos which were included in the biography.
Regarding Abang Johari’s future and the possibility of him becoming the Sarawak chief minister, Roosfa recalled that Abang Johari was cautious with his words during the interview.
Over the years, Roosfa travelled back and forth to Sarawak to gather data and information for the biography. He also interviewed immediate family members, colleagues and close friends, and referred to various reading materials from books, magazines, and newspapers to complete the biography.
Roosfa believes that Abang Johari has achieved a certain level of success at the state level and is seen as a potential Prime Minister in Peninsular Malaysia.
However, the fact that he does not serve at the Parliament level poses a significant challenge. Nevertheless, Roosfa believes that Abang Johari can play an important role in uniting the strength of Borneo during times of political instability in the country.
He emphasises the need for the voices of Borneo to have a greater influence in national politics, and Abang Johari is seen as someone with the strength and ability to make decisions in this regard.
Roosfa also noted that despite being 73 years old, Abang Johari is still considered young in the Malaysian political scenario and has the opportunity to progress further.
In addition to being a biographer, Roosfa is a publisher, editor and facilitator of publishing courses and workshops.
He holds positions on the Board of Directors of the International Union of Islamic Book Publishers (IUIBP) and the Board of Trustees of Yayasan Karyawan.
