KUCHING: The biography chronicling the political journey of Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg over four decades, titled ‘Perjalanan Politik Abang Johari Premier Sarawak’ is now available for reading.
The 496-page book which took over 10 years to publish, delves into the political career of Abang Johari until he reached the pinnacle of success, particularly through his clear vision and mission in transforming Sarawak.
Media practitioners in Sarawak were fortunate to be among the first to receive the book got autographed copies after Abang Johari chaired the Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Supreme Council Meeting here on yesterday (Jan 15).
According to prolific biography writer, Professor Dr. Roosfa Hashim, he chose to publish a book about Abang Johari due to his high potential as a leader since his early responsibilities as an assistant minister.
He said the nature of Abang Johari who does not like publicity and with many stories about him untold further intrigued him to pen a special biography.
“I began writing this book in 2011, and it took quite some time because I waited until he reached the peak of his success before it could become a comprehensive biography.
“Abang Johari’s political journey has reached its pinnacle at the state level. He leads a steadfast ruling party in Sarawak and holds significant influence at the federal level.
“Even with this remarkable momentum, he still has the opportunity to go further. He is currently standing at a point where anything is possible. The opportunities he can explore are as vast as his wealth of experience,” he said.
Dr Roosfa emphasised Abang Johari’s credibility as a far-sighted and visionary leader committed to elevating Sarawak to high-income status by 2030.
“Compared to previous biographies, Abang Johari’s openness and friendliness made this book relatively easy to produce.
“I vividly remember the first moment I met him on January 27, 2011. At 8am, I entered his office’s waiting room, and as expected, he was very open about his life, his future plans, and the possibility of becoming the Chief Minister,” he said.
He said the biography is essential reading for everyone to appreciate Abang Johari’s efforts in transforming Sarawak to greater heights.
The biography also narrates Abang Johari’s life growing up in the Astana as one of the children of the first Yang di-Pertua Negeri, Tun Openg.
Despite assumptions that his upbringing made his political career easy, the book highlights that it was far from straightforward.
His status did not provide him a passport without challenges, and his political aspirations were not handed to him on a silver platter.
Like everyone else, he had to navigate obstacles, face hardships, go through rough paths, climb hills and mountains before reaching his current high position.
The book also recounts moments when Abang Johari faced crossroads and dealt with conflicts and complex situations with wisdom and prudence.
Dr Roosfa is an experienced academic in the publishing field from the peninsula.
He has previously produced biographies of prominent figures, including Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin when he was the Chief Minister of Johor, Tan Sri Datuk Wira Mohd Shukor Mahfar, and the former Chief Executive Officer of the Inland Revenue Board (IRB).
