Attempts to stir conflict within PBB driven by envy of Sarawak's success, says Abang Johari
KUCHING (July 19): Premier Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg has dismissed recent attempts to create rifts within Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB), calling them baseless efforts driven by envy over Sarawak's growing economic success.
Speaking at the launch of the Batang Saribas 1 Bridge and the Betong Division Development Agency (BDDA) today, he said misleading narratives had been circulated online to suggest a falling-out between him and Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan.
'Recently, there were attempts to stir conflict within PBB (Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu), suggesting that Awang Tengah and I are at odds.
'These things happen when people are jealous of our success, because our economy is doing well,' he said.
Abang Johari stressed that such attempts would not derail the unity within the party or Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) as a whole.
He also highlighted Sarawak's rising global profile in the green energy sector, particularly its leadership in hydrogen development.
He said he had recently been invited to speak in Japan and will be addressing the World Economic Forum in Davos this coming January on the global economy, adding that the forum had recognised Sarawak as an emerging industrial cluster powered by renewable energy.
'Sarawak is being noticed. No other state is producing green energy like we are. With the electricity we generate, we can meet our own needs and sell the surplus to earn income.
'That income can help fund university tuition. Who benefits? The people do,' he said.
Abang Johari reaffirmed his administration's commitment to unity and people-centric development.
'That is why when we are doing well, some people will try to cause division. But don't worry – as long as I'm in GPS, we will not be divided.
'We will continue to prioritise the people of Sarawak. As the late Tok Nan (Pehin Sri Adenan Satem) used to say – jangan liat aja (don't just watch),' he said. Abang Johari Awang Tengah jealous PBB stir conflict
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Borneo Post
37 minutes ago
- Borneo Post
S'wak to be first state in M'sia to set up dedicated D2EI unit, says Premier
Abang Johari (fifth right), accompanied by other dignitaries, prepares to touch the D2EI Cube as a symbolic gesture to launch the Sarawak Women's Day 2025 celebration. — Photo by Chimon Upon KUCHING (Aug 2): Sarawak will be the first state in Malaysia to establish a dedicated Diversity, Equality, Equity and Inclusivity (D2EI) unit under the state Department of Women and Family, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. The unit, which adopts the D2EI theme of Sarawak's Women's Day 2025, embodies the state's commitment to a people-centred development approach that upholds fairness in diversity regardless of geography, gender, ethnicity, religion or ability. At the Sarawak Women's Day 2025 celebration held at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Complex here today, Abang Johari said the state government intends to strengthen women's involvement in high-growth sectors. 'This includes support in the form of economic grants, digital entrepreneurship training and start-up assistance. We have grants from the government and the state holds some influence in Affin Bank as a major stakeholder. 'We have asked the bank to assist us in investment-related efforts, including lifelong learning opportunities. This will certainly empower women more comprehensively in line with the D2EI values,' he said. He added the D2EI principles align with the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030, which also emphasises inclusivity, and believed these values could help raise household income and reduce poverty across the state over time. Meanwhile, Minister for Women, Childhood, and Community Wellbeing Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah said her ministry is working with key organisations including the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the 30% Club, and the Asian Women Leadership University College (AWLUC) to further strengthen the direction and implementation of the D2EI initiative. In this regard, she said the ministry is seeking support and sponsorship from the Sarawak government to fund studies for selected individuals to pursue the Master of Arts in Leadership Development programme at AWLUC, which costs RM105,000 in total (RM35,000 per student for the entire duration). Abang Johari approved the request, stating that the funding would be disbursed through Yayasan Sarawak. Also present were deputy premiers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian; DUN Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar; Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah; and Sarawak State Secretary Dato Sri Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki. Abang Johari D2EI diversity equality equity inclusivity
New Straits Times
2 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Sarawak premier pays tribute to late wife on Women's Day
KUCHING: Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg today paid tribute to his late wife, Puan Sri Datuk Amar Juma'ani Tuanku Bujang, during the state's 2025 Women's Day celebration. He said her quiet wisdom and graceful presence had left a lasting impact on his life and leadership. Abang Johari shared that Juma'ani played a key role behind the scenes, often offering subtle but meaningful advice that shaped him over the years. "She was never one to correct me in public. If she had something to say, she would wait until we were alone—usually in the car on the way home," he said. He recalled a moment after a formal dinner when she gently reminded him about proper etiquette. "In the car, she told me, 'Bang (referring to Abang Johari), next time don't stand up so quickly. "Look to your left and right first. We've already had our dessert, but others are just being served. "When we get up, everyone else follows, and they might miss their dessert." He said they were frequently invited to official functions, particularly dinners, and on that occasion, his early departure had unintentionally triggered others to follow suit. The celebration, held at the new state assembly complex, recognised the vital role of women in Sarawak's development. Abang Johari said women play a significant part across all sectors—including government administration, the economy and society. "They are not only mothers but are also raising children who will one day take on important roles," he said. He said that many senior positions in state departments and agencies are now held by women and expressed his appreciation for their readiness to embrace technological change. Also present at the event was Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah, who said Women's Day is a recognition of the important contributions women have made in shaping culture, society and the future. "It reminds us of the powerful role of women in nation-building and the creation of lasting legacies for future generations," she said. She added that this year's theme—"Diversity, Equality, Equity and Inclusivity"—was chosen to reflect Sarawak's human development agenda, which emphasises equality in diversity, regardless of geography, gender, race, religion or ability. Later, the premier presented the Premier Appreciation Awards to outstanding women and organisations for their achievements. Among the recipients were: -Nur Aleesya Dayana Mohamad Salim, who received the Young Women Leadership Award -The Sarawak Breast Cancer Support Group, which received the Excellence NGO Award -Sarawak Energy Bhd, which received the Responsive Diversity, Equality, Equity and Inclusivity Award Businesswoman Mastika Jamali and Datin Catherine Kelo, who were also honoured for their leadership contributions Also in attendance were Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah and Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, State Assembly Speaker Tan Sri Asfia Awang Nasar, and Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
Borneo Post
3 hours ago
- Borneo Post
Sarawak approves Women Entrepreneur Dashboard Model, leadership chair
Fatimah (right) and Abang Johari (third left) arrive at the State Legislative Assembly Complex in Kuching for the Sarawak Women's Day 2025 celebration today. – Photo by Chimon Upon KUCHING (Aug 2): The Sarawak government has approved the establishment of a dedicated Women Entrepreneur Dashboard Model under the Sarawak Women and Family Department (JWKS). State Minister for Women, Childhood, and Community Wellbeing Development, Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah, said the model was inspired by the dashboard monitoring system of Indonesia's Permodalan Nasional Madani, but would be adapted and enhanced using Sarawak's own digital ecosystem under the State Ministry of International Trade, Industry and Investment. 'One of the key strengths of this dashboard lies in its real-time data synchronisation, allowing policymakers to make evidence-based decisions. 'At the same time, it empowers women entrepreneurs by providing better visibility, connectivity, and access to greater opportunities,' she said during the Sarawak Women's Day 2025 celebration at the new State Legislative Assembly Complex here today. 'This initiative is crucial in our efforts to truly empower women in entrepreneurship, raise household income, address the root causes of poverty, and ultimately improve the overall wellbeing of families.' In support of the initiative, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, who officiated at the celebration, announced that the state government has also agreed in principle to support the proposed establishment of the Sarawak Women Leadership Chair (SWLC) – a dedicated platform to institutionalise and elevate women's participation in policymaking, governance, and community development. 'SWLC is a strategic and transformative initiative to elevate women into leadership roles across all sectors in Sarawak,' Fatimah said. She added that the chair, to be anchored at Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus, will serve as a regional hub for inclusive leadership development, high-impact research, policy innovation, and strategic partnerships grounded in local values and aligned with national development goals. She said an estimated RM5 million over five years would be required for the initiative to function effectively and fulfil its mandate. Fatimah also shared the progress of the Sedidik Young Saver Programme: Saving for a Golden Future, an initiative to cultivate saving habits among children enrolled at SeDidik early childhood centres. Since its launch on May 1, 2023, the programme has successfully amassed savings totalling RM1,042,629.42. On another note, she revealed that a specialised study on senior citizen wellbeing is currently underway, with findings expected to be presented at the upcoming Sarawak International Conference on Ageing in October. The conference will be attended by experts and academics from around the world as part of broader efforts to strengthen support systems for the elderly in Sarawak. In conjunction with the celebration, JWKS also launched a 217-page commemorative book entitled Sarawak Women Creating Legacies, which honours 27 extraordinary women who have made a significant impact in Sarawak and elevated the state's profile on the global stage. The highlight of the event was the announcement and presentation of the Sarawak Premier Awards, recognising outstanding individuals and organisations in the fields of leadership, entrepreneurship, social activism, volunteerism, and organisational management. The award recipients were Nur Aleesya Dayana Mohamad Salim, who received the Sarawak Premier Young Leader Award; the Sarawak Breast Cancer Support Group, represented by secretary Adeline Sie, which received the Sarawak Premier Outstanding NGO Award; and Sarawak Energy Berhad, represented by Chief Executive Officer Datuk Sharbini Suhaili, which was honoured with the Sarawak Premier Special D2EI Responsive Organisation Award. The Sarawak Premier Women Social Activist Award went to Dato Jacqueline Fong, while Mastika Jamali received the Sarawak Premier Women Entrepreneur Award. The Sarawak Premier Women Leadership Award was presented to Datin Sri Dato Catherine Kelo Isa @ Dato Catherine Gramong.
