Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Abang Openg hints that his next term may be his last, urging older PBB leaders to make way for youth.
PETALING JAYA: Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Abang Openg has hinted that the next term could be his last, saying it is time for the older generation to make way for younger leaders.
According to a report by The Borneo Post, the 76-year-old Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) president said leadership succession was inevitable and the party must continuously prepare younger members to take over its responsibilities.
“I want to be frank, this may be my last time. We cannot go against nature, even though our hearts may still feel young.
“In four more years I’ll be 80. But I will make the decision when the time comes.”
Abang Johari said older leaders should not feel disappointed when they are replaced, emphasising that PBB’s struggle for Sarawak must continue regardless of who leads the party.
“Leaders come and go. There comes a time when we say thank you and allow new people to take our place. But the spirit of PBB must be carried on by those who love Sarawak.”
He was speaking at the PBB Northern Zone Special Convention at the Miri Indoor Stadium on Sunday.
Abang Johari also emphasised the need to train younger leaders not only in party leadership but also in engaging with Sarawak’s diverse communities and individuals of different religions.
“The successors must be trained in how to communicate with people, how to engage with different communities and how to interact with people of different religions, so that there will be no toxicity.”
He added that he was grateful to have been trained by leaders before him and that the same responsibility should now be passed on to the younger generation.
He also said PBB had already introduced new faces, including younger leaders, during the previous election.
“Therefore, those of us who are older should give way to the younger generation.”
