‘The greatest leader is not necessarily the one who does the greatest things. He is the one that gets the people to do the greatest things.’
– Ronald Reagan (1911-2004). He was the 40th President of the United States from 1981 to 1989.
MARK your calendars! In a mere two days, on January 13, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg will be reaching a significant milestone, completing a remarkable seven years in office! Time certainly flies, doesn’t it? As we pause for a moment to reflect on his tenure, it becomes crucial to assess the impact he has made on our community.
Let us give credit where credit is due and also delve into the obstacles he has encountered during these seven years. Think of it as evaluating the highlights of his leadership journey, much like reviewing a captivating reel of achievements and challenges, wouldn’t you say?
In all honesty, Abang Johari has been a force to be reckoned with in the realm of leadership, skillfully hitting all the right notes. Now, understandably, not everyone may share this sentiment. Critics may cast shadows upon his accomplishments, but I am here to say, “Hold on a moment, let’s examine the facts.” No sugarcoating, just an honest portrayal of the truth.
For the record, he has amassed an impressive array of triumphs that extend beyond a solitary achievement! From enhancing educational facilities for Sarawakian students and fostering a thriving local economy with increased employment opportunities to securing a record-breaking state budget for operational and developmental expenses, exploring new avenues of revenue generation, and bolstering Sarawak’s financial inflows.
Let us not overlook the substantial restoration of some of our lost rights under the Malaysia Agreement of 1963, alongside his unwavering commitment to green energy and carbon capture initiatives.
The green energy initiative has positioned Sarawak at the forefront of the energy revolution, harnessing renewable sources such as water, solar, and wind to power its transition.
As you can see, Abang Johari’s leadership not only strikes the right chords but also breaks new ground.
Introducing the world’s first hydrogen-powered Automated Rail Transit (ART) system is akin to elevating public transportation to an entirely new, sustainable level.
And let us not forget the pioneering innovation in aviation with the use of algae fuel for aircraft. This is not merely a step forward; it is a leap into the future.
These groundbreaking ideas have tangible global implications, not just local significance.
Overall, his seven-year tenure has witnessed a multitude of notable achievements that have shaped the landscape of our region.
From robust economic growth to crucial infrastructure developments, his administration has undeniably played an active role in the progress we witness today.
The implementation of impactful social programmes and the relentless pursuit of economic accomplishments to provide new sources of income for the state have undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the lives of many individuals within the state.
Moreover, Sarawak has proudly become the first state in Malaysia to introduce its mobile payment application, known as Sarawak Pay (later renamed Spay), establish its television station, TVS, and offer free tertiary education to eligible Sarawakians in state-owned universities and higher learning institutions. We can add to these the Sarawak Sovereign Wealth Fund and the coming establishment of our own boutique airline.
In fact, according to the World Bank, Sarawak has achieved high-income status ahead of schedule. This is a considerable achievement, considering Sarawak’s goal of becoming a high-income and developed state was initially set for 2030.
However, no leadership journey is without its share of challenges. Premier Abang Johari has faced numerous hurdles during this period, be it grappling with governance issues or navigating complex policy decisions.
His ability to confront these challenges head-on has been both commendable and, at times, contentious. It is a performance that deserves recognition.
What sets him apart is that when faced with adversity, he does not back down; instead, he rolls up his sleeves and tackles the issues headfirst.
Abang Johari’s decisive decision-making, coupled with effective communication, has been a cornerstone of his governance. His approach to crises and commitment to transparent leadership are aspects that demand acknowledgement.
To put it simply, Abang Johari’s achievements speak volumes! Since assuming the role of Chief Minister (later Premier) following the passing of Datuk Patinggi Adenan Satem in 2017, it is no exaggeration to say that he has been on a roll.
We’re talking about a staggering number of initiatives—no less than 120 under his belt. Seriously, this is not a mere stroll in the park; it’s a full-blown marathon of change and progress.
What’s even more impressive is that some of these initiatives have earned the titles of “first in Malaysia” or “first in the region.” Now, that’s akin to hitting the leadership jackpot! Pioneering groundbreaking endeavours and setting high standards, not just nationally but regionally, is no small feat.
Furthermore, these achievements are not just abstract numbers; they yield tangible results that make a real impact on the ground. Abang Johari doesn’t merely preach; he practices what he preaches and transforms ideas into reality.
Looking ahead, the impact of his policies on the future of our state and region cannot be underestimated.
The groundwork he has laid will likely continue to shape the trajectory of our progress. As we celebrate his seven years in office, it is evident that the premier has set the stage for sustained growth, development, and prosperity.
With his continued leadership, I am confident that the coming years will bring new challenges, and his ability to navigate them will further shape the narrative of our state’s progress. On this momentous occasion, I extend my heartfelt congratulations and wish Premier Abang Johari a happy anniversary in office!
The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the New Sarawak Tribune.
