Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has hinted that the next Sarawak state election could be the last he contests, after turning 76 on Aug 4.
Speaking to around 3,000 delegates and observers at the Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Northern Zone Special Convention at the Miri Indoor Stadium on Sunday, Abang Johari said he would make a final decision when the time comes.
“To be frank, perhaps this will be my last. We cannot fight the laws of nature even though the spirit remains young. However, I will make the decision when the time comes. What is important is that our struggle for PBB will continue,” he said.
Abang Johari said he was also preparing a new generation of leaders to carry on Sarawak’s development agenda, just as previous leaders had guided and shaped his own political career.
“I am already 76 years old. Fortunately, I still have the energy. In four years, I will be 80. We have to look for successors and they must be trained. Without training, it is difficult to lead.
“They need to learn how to connect with the people, interact with communities of different races and religions, and understand how to build good relationships with everyone so that they do not become toxic,” he said.
He expressed gratitude for having had the opportunity to gain experience and guidance from previous leaders, saying this had given him a responsibility to mentor the next generation.
Abang Johari said leadership development must be an ongoing process, including giving new faces opportunities to contest in elections.
“That is why at every election, we must introduce new candidates. In the last election, we fielded new representatives such as Royston Valentine, the Tellian assemblyman, and Azizul Adenan, the Tanjong Datu assemblyman,” he said.
Abang Johari also advised any incumbent PBB assemblymen who may not be reselected as candidates in the coming election to accept the decision with an open heart.
“If there is a change, do not be upset. Sometimes we feel disappointed when we are not selected again, but that is the nature of politics,” he said.
He said leadership changes were a natural part of the political cycle and should be accepted as younger generations are given room to take over.
More than 20% of Sarawak’s current state assembly members are aged above 70, including one who is more than 80 years old.
Abang Johari entered politics in 1979 and was appointed Sarawak Premier in 2017.
