He plants trees to benefit another generation.
– Caecilius Statius, Celtic Roman poet
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has once again put Sarawak on the global map with his recent recognition as the 2024 World Outstanding Muslim Leader of the Year. The prestigious award was bestowed upon him at the ASEAN Sarawak Business and Economic Forum (ASBEF) 2025, reflecting his visionary leadership, dedication to economic progress and unwavering commitment to social harmony.
Presented by World Muslim Leadership Forum chairman Datuk Seri Mohamed Iqbal Rawther and Standard Chartered Bank Malaysia CEO Mak Joon Nien, the award serves as proof of Abang Johari’s transformative leadership, which has positioned Sarawak as a model of sustainable growth and digital transformation, not just in Malaysia but across the ASEAN region and beyond.
Sarawak’s emergence as a key epicentre of growth within the Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) is a direct result of Abang Johari’s strategic economic vision.
Under his stewardship, Sarawak has reinforced its role in fostering regional cooperation and sustainable development, leveraging its political stability, economic planning and strategic geographical location.
His focus on green energy and hydrogen has turned Sarawak into a prime destination for sustainable investments. Initiatives such as the Sarawak Digital Economy Blueprint and the Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 further cement the state’s position as a leading hub for business and investment, attracting global interest and reinforcing Sarawak’s economic resilience.
Abang Johari’s leadership and innovative policies have captured the attention of regional and global leaders alike. He has been invited to speak on the green economy in countries such as Europe, Singapore, Japan and Indonesia, demonstrating the far-reaching impact of his economic strategies.
His forward-thinking approach to governance continues to yield impressive results, strengthening Sarawak’s standing as an economic powerhouse in the region.
Since assuming the role of Sarawak Premier in 2017, Abang Johari has been relentless in his pursuit of economic excellence. His ability to introduce new economic frameworks while simultaneously overseeing large-scale physical developments has significantly enhanced the state’s financial health and improved the quality of life for Sarawakians.
His strong background in finance and strategic economic planning has placed Sarawak ahead of its peers in Malaysia. This was affirmed by World Bank lead economist Apurva Sanghi, who on July 6, 2023, said Sarawak had already qualified as a high-income state, achieving a Gross National Income (GNI) per capita exceeding US$13,205 (RM58,894).
This remarkable milestone highlights the effectiveness of Abang Johari’s policies in elevating Sarawak’s economic status well before the projected 2030 target.
Even Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has acknowledged Abang Johari’s success. On Sept 16, 2023, Anwar invited him to deliver a 30-minute lecture on Sarawak’s economic achievements and policies to federal ministers at Wisma Bapa Malaysia.
This was a historic moment, as it marked the first-ever federal cabinet meeting held in Sarawak, reinforcing the Premier’s role as a key figure in Malaysia’s economic discourse.
Abang Johari’s administration has spearheaded numerous initiatives that set Sarawak apart from Malayan states. Among these crucial projects are the hydrogen economy, the establishment of a sovereign wealth fund, carbon storage and trading research and the launch of the Sarawak Integrated Sour Gas Evacuation System in Bintulu.
These initiatives have solidified Sarawak’s position as a leader in sustainable development and resource management.
Beyond economic growth, the Premier has demonstrated a deep obligation towards Sarawak’s wealth distribution among its people. His administration prioritises poverty eradication, particularly in rural communities, through policies aimed at increasing household incomes and expanding economic opportunities.
His leadership is defined not only by economic progress but also by his unwavering dedication to social harmony and religious inclusivity. His administration has consistently upheld Sarawak’s multicultural and multi-religious heritage, fostering a spirit of unity among the state’s diverse ethnic communities.
This inclusivity is best exemplified by the establishment of the Unit for Other Religions (UNIFOR) in 2017, an initiative aimed at supporting non-Muslim religious institutions. The move reflects his belief in fairness and respect for all faiths, aligning with Sarawak’s long-standing reputation as region of religious tolerance in Malaysia.
“When we are given responsibility, we must be fair to all,” Abang Johari said at a mosque and surau leadership integrity seminar in Sri Aman on Nov 30, 2021.
“I am fair to all as their leader because I will be questioned. We help the non-Muslims in our community, which is why we have UNIFOR. Besides developing mosques and suraus, we also help the non-Muslims build their houses of worship. That is based on the attributes of the Constitution of Medina.”
Further illustrating his inclusivity, Abang Johari shared an anecdote of a non-Muslim YB from Christian-majority Belaga who requested him to build a mosque for the local Muslim community.
Without hesitation, he approved the request, recognising the importance of ensuring that all religious communities have the facilities they need to practise their faith. Such gestures highlight his commitment towards fostering mutual respect and understanding among Sarawak’s diverse religious groups.
Under his stewardship, Sarawak has not only maintained its unique cultural identity but has also become a model of balanced development, where economic progress goes hand in hand with social equity. His policies have empowered native communities, provided economic opportunities and enhanced Sarawak’s overall quality of life.
This philosophy of inclusivity and fairness has earned him widespread respect, with Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas affirming that Abang Johari is a “leader for all”. Speaking at the opening of the Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) special convention in Betong on Sept 27, 2020, Uggah praised the Premier’s equal attention to all religious communities, ensuring that development benefits everyone in the state.
Abang Johari’s recognition as the 2024 World Outstanding Muslim Leader of the Year is a fitting tribute to his transformative leadership. It reflects his obligation towards economic innovation, sustainable development and social inclusivity. His vision has propelled Sarawak to new heights, making it a shining example for other regions to emulate.
The Premier’s leadership reminds me of the great Muslim historical figure Akbar, the Mughal emperor of India, who stretched the social and religious envelope as an Islamic sovereign while remaining within the fold of Islam. Akbar tackled the complex issues of Muslim interactions with a largely non-Muslim world with sincerity, zeal, passion, common sense and commitment.
Similarly, we have a present-day leader who interacts with non-Muslims while remaining steadfastly within his religion.
As Sarawak continues on a higher level, the world is watching. With Abang Johari at the helm, Sarawak is well on its way to becoming Malaysia’s leading economic force as well as a global model of progressive governance and inclusive prosperity.
The views expressed here are those of the columnist and do not necessarily represent the views of Sarawak Tribune.
