KUCHING, Dec 25: Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has been named ‘Newsmaker of the Year’ and ‘Favourite Guest of the Year’ by the widely-followed podcast Keluar Sekejap.
These accolades, as reported by TVS, celebrate the Premier’s visionary leadership and his significant contributions to Sarawak’s development and Malaysia’s political scene.
In the podcast’s milestone 137th episode, co-host Khairy Jamaluddin praised Abang Johari’s remarkable efforts in driving transformation across Sarawak and the nation.
“When you consider Sarawak’s achievements under his leadership—acquiring a major stake in Affin Bank, taking over Bintulu Port from federal control, and even planning to launch its own airline through MASwings—his vision is nothing short of extraordinary,” said Khairy, a former Health Minister.
The Premier’s commitment to Sarawak’s rights, including the fair distribution of gas resources between Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros) and Petroliam Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS), further demonstrates his steadfast dedication.
Co-host Shahril Hamdan, a former economic director in the Prime Minister’s Office, echoed these sentiments when presenting the ‘Favourite Guest of the Year’ recognition.
“Our conversation with Abang Johari was profound,” Shahril said. “His vision for Sarawak, including its trajectory towards achieving its goals by 2030, and his achievements in 2024 left a lasting impression on us.”
The podcast previously featured an exclusive interview with Abang Johari in Episode 115, aired on July 22, 2024, in conjunction with Sarawak Day. The discussion delved into pressing topics such as Sarawak’s role in Malaysia, updates on the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), and the state’s aspiration to become a regional economic powerhouse.
This double recognition solidifies Abang Johari’s status as a leader shaping Sarawak’s bright future while enhancing its influence on a national and global scale.
