BETONG: Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the Honorary Fellow recognition by the Malaysian Institute of Planners (MIP) validates Sarawak’s governance and future direction.
Abang Johari who received the award from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on Jan 24, said the accolade reflects the collective efforts of the Sarawak government in transforming and managing the state effectively.
“This award is not for me as an individual but a recognition of Sarawak’s rapid development.
“It acknowledges our progress in urban planning, economic strategies, renewable energy initiatives, and our vision under the Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030,” he said.
He said this during the Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Betong Zone Delegates Meeting at Dewan Datuk Amar Stephen Kalong Ningkan on Saturday (Jan 25).
Abang Johari, who is PBB President noted that Sarawak’s swift progress has been recognised by MIP, which commended the state for surpassing its high-income target for 2030, achieving this status seven years ahead of schedule.
“While our goal was to become a high-income region by 2030, Sarawak has already reached this milestone in 2022, seven years earlier than expected.
“Therefore, the medal awarded to me is not a recognition for me alone, but an appreciation for PBB, as I also lead this party,” he added.
Earlier, on Friday night (Jan 24), Abang Johari was presented with the MIP Honorary Fellow award during the MIP 2024 Planning Excellence Awards Ceremony in Kuala Lumpur.
According to MIP, Abang Johari was selected for this recognition due to his exemplary leadership through initiatives in urban development, energy, and environmental sustainability.
He also spearheaded the transformation of Sarawak through global initiatives aligned with the Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.
During the same ceremony, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Urban Development was also honoured with the MIP President’s Award for its outstanding contribution to transforming state planning governance through the digital innovation of the Sarawak Electronic State Planning Authority System.
The award was presented to State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Deputy Minister for Urban Planning, Land Administration, and Environment Datuk Len Talif Salleh, and Permanent Secretary Datuk Abdullah Julaihi.
