KUALA LUMPUR – Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg pledges to continue the former governor and chief minister Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud’s legacy, especially in efforts to develop Sarawak and Malaysia with a more structured approach.
“On behalf of the people of Sarawak, we certainly feel the loss of a leader who served the people of Malaysia throughout his life, especially the people of Sarawak.
“As his successor, I pledge that we will continue his efforts to develop Sarawak and Malaysia with a more structured approach, especially in light of the need for energy transition globally,” he said after the signing ceremony of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Petronas and the Sarawak government today.
Abang Johari said Taib had been in service since the establishment of Malaysia in 1963 as a minister in the first governments of Sarawak and Malaysia and made significant contributions, including being one of the architects in the establishment of Petronas.
He said during the administration of the second prime minister, the late Tun Abdul Razak, Taib also helmed the Primary Industries Ministry.
“It was during his tenure at the ministry that he became one of the individuals that successfully contributed to the establishment of Petronas by strengthening the oil industry, which at that time was held by outside parties,” he said.
Taib breathed his last at 4.40am at a hospital in Kuala Lumpur today. He was 87.
On another development, Abang Johari said the MoU inked today marks a new cooperation between Sarawak and the federal government through Petronas for the establishment of an ammonia factory for the international market.
“We in Sarawak will, of course, continue to cooperate in Malaysia’s strategic fields to strengthen the country’s economic foundation through the use of the latest technology,” he said.
In Kuching, Abang Johari described the late governor as a leader with philosophy who believed all humans should be treated equally when he was serving as the chief minister and governor.
“Allahyarham was captivated by the film ‘Antara Dua Darjat’ by P. Ramlee which portrayed the value equality among humans.
“I am among the individuals taught by him since 1981 (when Abdul Taib became chief minister), we faced various challenges together to stabilise politics in the state until we achieve the success now,” he told a media conference at the VVIP arrival hall of Kuching International Airport today.
Abang Johari said the government will accord full honours to him as the leader who made extraordinary contributions in the development of Sarawak since 1963.
As the successor of the legacy, Abang Johari is also determined to continue maintaining the harmony of Sarawak in addition to being humble and continuing to serve the people and improve their lives. – February 21, 2024