KUCHING – The Dayak Cultural Foundation (DCF) has officially launched a biography chronicling the political journey of Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg, Sarawak’s first Premier.
The 113-page publication, “Abang Johari – Sarawak’s First Premier, A Political Biography”, authored by Professor Dr. Michael Leigh, documents his career from his appointment as Chief Minister in 2017 to his historic transition as Premier.
Key chapters explore Sarawak’s leadership within the Malaysian Federation and highlight transformative policies introduced under his tenure.
The launch ceremony, held at the DCF headquarters in Jalan Ong Tiang Swee, was officiated by His Excellency Tun Pehin Sri Dr. Haji Wan Junaidi bin Tuanku Jaafar, Governor of Sarawak, accompanied by Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah binti Mohd Sanusi.
The event was attended by the Premier himself, alongside his daughter Dayang Norjihan, senior state leaders, and distinguished guests.
In his address, Tun Pehin Sri Dr. Wan Junaidi described the Premier as a reformist leader who has successfully steered Sarawak towards inclusive and progressive development. He commended the biography as a valuable historical record, noting its importance in documenting initiatives such as the green economy agenda, digitalisation, renewable energy, and sustainable social development. He expressed hope that the book would inspire younger generations to contribute to Sarawak’s future.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, who also serves as Chairman of the DCF, framed the book as a gesture of gratitude from the Dayak community. “This book stands as a gesture of appreciation from the Dayak community to YAB Premier for his continuous support and enduring commitment to our people,” he said. He further praised the Premier’s leadership qualities, describing him as a man of integrity, compassion, and wisdom.
Datuk Amar Uggah added that the biography provides meaningful insight into the Premier’s principles and experiences, which have contributed to Sarawak’s political stability and prosperity. He emphasised that the book will serve as an enduring legacy for future generations.
The ceremony was attended by Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and Datuk Amar Professor Dr. Sim Kui Hian, Speaker of the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar, former Deputy Chief Ministers Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr. George Chan Hong Nam and Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Alfred Jabu Numpang, as well as Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Leonard Linggi, Chairman of the Tun Jugah Foundation and DCF Trustee.
Also, present were Sarawak State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, cabinet ministers, deputy ministers, scholars, history activists, and publishing representatives.
The event was described as orderly and lively, reflecting high respect for the Premier’s leadership and his role in shaping Sarawak’s path towards Vision 2030.
The biography is regarded as both a tribute and a knowledge resource, offering a comprehensive account of the Premier’s contributions to Sarawak’s modern transformation.
