Abang Johari

Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Abang Openg was born on 4 August 1950 in government quarters near Bukit Tasik Mas, Limbang, Sarawak. When Abang Johari was just over a year old, the family moved to Kuching after his father was appointed acting Resident, becoming the first Malay to hold a position traditionally reserved for Europeans. In 1963, Abang Johari's father was appointed the first Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Sarawak, playing a key role during the period surrounding Sarawak's entry into Malaysia. His father died in 1969 when he was 19 years old. Abang Johari is a descendant of several historical Sarawakian figures, including Datu Patinggi Haji Abdul Gapor, a pre-Brooke era governor of Sarawak, as well as Datu Patinggi Ali and Raja Jarum. His ancestry traces back to Kuching through his paternal grandfather, Abang Sapiee Abang Omar. == Early career ==

After finishing school, Abang Johari then worked with Malaysia Airlines as an executive officer. He earned a Master of Business Management degree from Henley College, Brunel University. == Political career ==

Entry into politics In the early 1970s, Sarawak had several active youth organisations, including the Federation of Sarawak Malay Youth Clubs, the Sarawak Youth Council, and the Bidayuh Youth Club. In 1972, leaders from these groups formed the Sarawak United National Youth Organisation (SABERKAS). In 1981, following the resignation of the Satok state assemblyman, Abang Johari was invited by then Chief Minister Abdul Rahman Ya'kub to contest the by-election. Initially hesitant, he proposed his elder brother, Abang Abdul Karim, as a potential candidate; however, Rahman considered him too reserved for political life. After receiving encouragement from his family, particularly his mother, Abang Johari agreed to run. He won the seat and entered the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly. On 29 August 1998, at the triennial delegates' conference of Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) held at the One Hotel Santubong Kuching Resort, Abang Johari was elected as the new deputy president of PBB for the former Bumiputera Party quota, defeating Adenan Satem with 373 votes to 268. The incumbent, Abang Abu Bakar Abang Mustapha, who had held the position since 1986, received 27 votes. The election, officiated by Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, was conducted under tight security and amid tense conditions. Party leaders characterised the event as a family affair. Adenan was reported to have had the support of Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud. However, Taib denied this, stating that he saw himself as a father figure to all three prominent figures in the race – Abang Johari, Adenan and Mohd Effendi Norwawi. In 2001, Abang Johari took on the role of Minister of Tourism in 2000 and successfully defended his seat. In 2004, he was appointed Minister of Housing, retaining this position through the 2006 state election. During his time there, he tackled major financial challenges when he was able to secure substantial federal allocation of RM200 million for affordable housing projects under the Eighth and Ninth Malaysia Plans within just two months in office. He played a key role in introducing the People's Friendly Housing Scheme (RMR) to Sarawak, which helped rural villagers who owned land but lacked resources to build homes. He promoted strong cooperation between the public and private sectors by creating special committees that continue to influence housing development in the state. From 2009 to 2011, Abang Johari served as Minister of Housing and Urbanisation. Following the 2011 election, he returned as Minister of Tourism. He also acknowledged receiving a memorandum from tourism stakeholders requesting a formal aviation policy to address logistical challenges and support regional economic interests. He also highlighted the tourism potential of areas such as the Bakun, Batang Ai and Murum dams, noting their suitability for eco-tourism and film production. Sarawak's tourism development also included the promotion of international meetings and events through the Sarawak Convention Bureau (now 'Business Event Sarawak') and facilities like the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching. When Abdul Taib resigned as Chief Minister in 2014, Abang Johari was considered a potential successor, but Adenan Satem was appointed instead. Adenan and Abang Johari had a longstanding personal connection. Abang Johari was appointed Deputy Chief Minister and held the portfolios of Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, and Minister of Housing and Urbanisation. == Chief Minister / Premier of Sarawak (2017–present) ==

On 11 January 2017, six months after the state election, Adenan died of a heart attack at the Sarawak Heart Centre in Kota Samarahan. His death was announced by Abang Johari at a press conference, during which he provided information about the funeral arrangements. Following Adenan's death, Abang Johari, Douglas Uggah Embas and Awang Tengah Ali Hasan were identified as possible successors due to their positions as deputy presidents of the ruling party. The party delayed discussions on the appointment of a new chief minister during the mourning period. in 2017 Abang Johari was unanimously nominated by PBB leaders and officially appointed by Governor Abdul Taib Mahmud as the new chief minister, with the swearing-in ceremony held at the Astana on 13 January 2017. The transition proceeded without internal conflict, with senior leaders including Awang Tengah, James Jemut Masing and Uggah expressing support for Abang Johari and affirming that Adenan's 53 policy initiatives, including matters such as oil royalties, would be continued. After taking office, Abang Johari made public statements regarding his predecessor and indicated that he would retain much of the previous cabinet lineup. In May 2017, approximately five months after assuming the role, he appointed Awang Tengah Ali Hasan as deputy chief minister, filling a position that had remained vacant since his own appointment. == Political positions ==

Foreign policy in Jakarta, 2025 In March 2017, during his first international official visit to China as chief minister, Abang Johari led a Sarawak state delegation to Beijing with the goal of enhancing international cooperation in tourism and economic development. A key highlight of the visit was the signing of a MoU between the Sarawak Economic Development Corporation and Beijing Glory International Culture Development Co Ltd. The MoU outlines several areas of collaboration, including positioning Kuching as a Southeast Asia hub for China Express Airlines, partnering with Beijing Glory for the management of hotels and national parks in Sarawak, expanding tourism connectivity with markets in China, South Korea and Japan, and rebranding Sarawak's tourism assets to attract more international visitors. The visit also included stops in Kunming, Hong Kong, and Guangzhou to identify further partnership opportunities. During the "Lan Berambeh Anak Sarawak UK-Edition" event in London on 3 May 2025, Abang Johari introduced a development roadmap extending to 2035. The event also marked the start of an annual international engagement platform aimed at connecting with the Sarawakian diaspora and enhancing global visibility for the state. Economic policy Abang Johari's economic strategy prioritized revenue growth, diversification and sustainable development. From 2017 to 2024, Sarawak's state revenue increased from RM5.6 billion to RM14.2 billion, with projections reaching RM20 billion by 2025. The additional revenue allowed for expanded budgets and state-led development initiatives. To reduce dependence on federal funding, the Development Bank of Sarawak (DBOS) was created as a state-controlled infrastructure financing vehicle. Diversification focused on attracting high-value investments. Between 2021 and 2023, Sarawak approved RM21.5 billion in investments and created around 11,000 jobs. Sustainability was integrated into infrastructure development, The Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 outlined a model for sustainable, inclusive growth. According to the World Bank, Sarawak achieved high-income status ahead of the 2030 target. Throughout, economic planning remained focused on resilience and long-term adaptability. From 4 to 5 May 2025 in Toulouse, France, Abang Johari witnessed the signing of a joint venture agreement between Malaysia's AIROD and France's SATYS, a company specialising in aerospace surface treatment and painting services. The agreement supports the development of Sarawak's air transport sector and involves discussions with ATR and Airbus on the use of energy-efficient turboprop aircraft for rural air services in Sarawak. These talks included plans for technology transfer and workforce training in aviation. On 7 May in Abu Dhabi, Abang Johari witnessed the signing of a strategic partnership between Bintulu Port Holdings Berhad and AD Ports Group. The agreement sets the stage for collaboration in maritime logistics, infrastructure development and trade facilitation. The Premier also visited Zayed International Airport to study the port and airport models in Abu Dhabi, which guided the future development of Sarawak's logistics and transportation infrastructure. Environmental and climate policy On 1 May 2025, Abang Johari held meetings with the International Hydropower Association (IHA) and the Global Renewables Alliance (GRA) focused on expanding Sarawak's renewable energy initiatives. In addition to hydropower, Sarawak is exploring solar energy, hydrogen production and advanced energy storage solutions, aligning with international goals for carbon reduction and energy transition. The following day, Sarawak began reviewing the carbon levy frameworks used in Scotland and the wider UK to inform its own approach to managing carbon-related revenues. The focus is on creating an equitable revenue-sharing and regulatory model that can support emerging sectors such as carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS). Social policy The state government under the leadership of Abang Johari implemented various social policies focused on religious inclusivity, indigenous rights, social welfare, education and infrastructure development. In 2017, the government established the Other Religious Affairs Unit (UNIFOR) to support non-Muslim communities. This unit, led by Deputy Premier Douglas Uggah Embas, manages state funding for maintaining places of worship across multiple religions and promotes religious harmony. He has always reminded the non-Muslims in Sarawak that they are allowed to use the word "Allah" at any time, saying that "it's not human beings who judge themselves as pious but it is God". The UNIFOR Complex in Kuching, a multi-purpose facility for social and religious activities, is scheduled to open in early 2025. Several social welfare programs were introduced, including medical aid for seniors (RM500), an endowment for newborns (RM1,000), post-natal allowances for Sarawakian mothers (RM450), basic needs assistance, pocket money for tertiary students (RM1,200), free laptops and book vouchers. Starting in 2026, the state plans to provide free university education at state-owned institutions without bonding or mobility restrictions. At the Asean Sarawak Business and Economic Forum 2025, Abang Johari was conferred the 2024 World Outstanding Muslim Leader of the Year Award. Education policy Sarawak retained English as a medium of instruction in its education system and focused on improving quality and access. Infrastructure projects aimed to reduce rural-urban disparities through improvements to roads, bridges, water supply and electrification. The visit provided insights for Sarawak's own digital transformation efforts, including the enhancement of the Sarawak Pay platform and broader initiatives in digital governance. Discussions during the trip also opened potential areas for collaboration between Sarawak and Estonia in fields such as digital public services, smart infrastructure and technology-driven governance. In April 2025, Abang Johari visited Cardiff, Wales, where he launched KETEQ AI, the world's first AI-powered power conversion device, developed entirely by Sarawakian engineers. Hosted at the CSA Catapult facility, the launch is a milestone under the Sarawak Semiconductor Roadmap 2030. It signals Sarawak's growing focus on deep-tech innovation and its shift from a resource-based to a knowledge-driven economy. Constitutional and institutional policy After the 2018 general election, the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS)-led state government pushed for more autonomy. One outcome was Sarawak gaining exclusive control over buying and selling its own natural gas — a key step toward fiscal independence. == Personal life ==

Abang Johari married Juma'ani Tuanku Bujang on 26 February 1977. Juma'ani's father, Tuanku Bujang, served as the second governor of Sarawak. The couple were introduced through a family arrangement, as both their families shared a historical and familial bond. Tuanku Bujang and Abang Johari's father, Abang Openg, were related through maternal lineage. Their first meeting took place during a family gathering in Kuching, after which both families agreed to unite them in marriage. emphasising the "Ngap Sayot" spirit as essential to the state's development. His son, Abang Abdillah Izzarim, works as a commercial and private pilot and is involved in technology and business. He leads several ventures in ASEAN and China, and serves as executive chairman at AIZO Group Bhd (formerly Minetech Resources Bhd). At AIZO, he increased his shareholding to 16.338% and helped the company return to profitability after nine quarters of losses, during which the company's shares increased. In March 2022, Abang Johari tested positive for COVID-19 with mild symptoms and underwent a five-day home quarantine. Health authorities placed him under Category 2A, which includes minor symptoms like sore throat, mild cough or fatigue. In June 2025, Juma'ani died from health complications at the age of 76. == Election results ==

Honours of Malaysia • • Commander of the Order of the Defender of the Realm (PMN) – Tan Sri (2021) • Recipient of the 17th Yang di-Pertuan Agong Installation Medal • • Knight Grand Commander of the Order of the Star of Hornbill Sarawak (DP) – Datuk Patinggi (2017) • Knight Commander of the Order of the Star of Hornbill Sarawak (DA) – Datuk Amar (2008) • Knight Commander of the Most Exalted Order of the Star of Sarawak (PNBS) – Dato Sri (1990) • Companion of the Most Exalted Order of the Star of Sarawak (JBS) (1985) • • Grand Commander of the Order of Kinabalu (SPDK) – Datuk Seri Panglima (2024) Foreign honours • • First Class of the Order of Setia Negara Brunei (PSNB) – Dato Seri Setia (2024) • • 2nd Class of the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star (2025) Honorary degrees • • Honorary Doctorate in Business and Management from University of Technology Sarawak (2017) == Notes ==