Abang Johari Openg

Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Abang Openg (born 4 August 1950), also known as Abang Johari or Abang Jo, is a Malaysian politician who has served as the sixth and current Premier of Sarawak since 2017. A member of Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu, he has been the party's president since 2017 and has represented Gedong in the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly since 2021.

Born in Limbang into a political family, Abang Johari earned a master's degree in business administration from Brunel University. He previously represented Satok from 1981 to 2021. He assumed the premiership (then titled Chief Minister) following the death of his predecessor, Adenan Satem, in January 2017. He has also served as the first chairman of Gabungan Parti Sarawak since its formation in June 2018, following its split from Barisan Nasional. The new coalition achieved a landslide victory in the 2021 Sarawak state election, winning 76 out of 82 seats in the State Legislative Assembly. Abang Johari has been seen as a centrist-centre-right regionalist leader with social democratic and communitarian leanings. His leadership focused on inclusive development, stability and Sarawak's autonomy.

Early life and education

Abang Johari was born on 4 August 1950 in government quarters near Bukit Tasik Mas, Limbang, Sarawak. He is the youngest of ten siblings born to Abang Openg Abang Sapiee and Dayang Masniah Abdul Rahman. At the time of his birth, his father was serving as the district officer of Limbang. Abang Johari was delivered by a local midwife named Mariam. Due to frequent illness during infancy, his name was later changed from Abdul Rahman to include "Zohari" in accordance with local cultural beliefs.

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. He received his early education at Merpati Jepang Primary School in Kuching. He continued his studies at St. Thomas' Anglican Secondary School from 1962 to 1967, before transferring to St. Joseph's Secondary School, Kuching, a La Sallian Catholic institution.

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). During this time, Abang Johari was involved with SABERKAS. He also became affiliated with Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB), a significant party within the Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition at both the federal and state levels. His formal political career began in 1977 when he was appointed youth chief of PBB.

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. The following year, he was appointed principal political secretary to Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud.

Ministerial roles

After his 1983 re-election, Abang Johari was appointed Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Community Development. In 1987, he became Minister of Industrial Development under Abdul Taib Mahmud's cabinet. On 29 August 1998, at the triennial delegates' conference of Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) held at the Santubong 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.2011 election, he returned as Minister of Tourism. As tourism minister, Abang Johari identified disruptions in the aviation sector, such as changes in airline operators and the Malaysia Airlines-AirAsia share swap, as factors affecting tourism accessibility in Sarawak. He stated that these issues complicated efforts to set tourism targets and impacted domestic travel, particularly from Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah. In response, he expressed support for the idea of developing MASwings into a regional carrier to serve Sarawak, Sabah, the BIMP-EAGA region and selected Asian destinations. 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. In 2016, after Barisan Nasional's victory, 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.

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 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. Key sectors included renewable energy (especially hydropower and hydrogen), semiconductors, aerospace and digital services. A sovereign wealth fund was also introduced to manage excess revenue and support future investment.

The Sarawak Digital Economy Strategy focused on digital infrastructure, e-commerce growth and innovation. Hydrogen production and exports, including international cooperation with countries like Japan, formed a core part of Sarawak's green energy plan. Sustainability was integrated into infrastructure development, which included 31,000 km of roads, major bridges, airport upgrades and broader utility access.

Support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) included financing, training and expanded market access. Workforce development policies emphasized industry-aligned education, with free education starting in 2025.

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. Abang Johari publicly emphasized freedom of religion and expressed opposition to the national implementation of hudud law, citing concerns about potential discrimination against non-Muslims. 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.

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 government has also supported initiatives related to digital economy and green economy development.

On 30 April 2025, in London and Cambridge, Abang Johari witnessed the signing of a service contract between Cambridge University Press and Assessment and Swinburne Innovation Malaysia. The agreement supports standardised assessments for Sarawak's Dual Language Programme (DLP), beginning with Year 6 students in October 2025. The following day, Abang Johari held discussions with Larry Kramer, president and vice-chancellor of the London School of Economics (LSE), exploring collaborations in public policy, economics and sustainability. These engagements reflect Sarawak's efforts to align local education standards with global benchmarks and strengthen policy development capacity.

Technology and innovation policy

In September 2017, Abang Johari visited Estonia in an effort to advance Sarawak's digital development by learning from countries with established digital systems. During the visit, he examined Estonia's digital infrastructure, including its nationwide high-speed internet supported by underground fiber-optic networks, decentralised service delivery and integrated electronic payment systems. These features have played a central role in Estonia's approach to e-government and public service efficiency. 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.

Indigenous and minority rights

Abang Johari's administration focused on protecting Native Customary Rights (NCR) land, launching a land survey program in 2020 to document indigenous land ownership. Efforts were made to support cultural development for ethnic groups including the Dayak people and Malay people communities, such as the establishment of the Wisma Melayu Sarawak building.

Personal life

Abang Johari married Juma'ani Tuanku Bujang on 26 February 1977. Juma'ani's father, Tuanku Bujang Tuanku Othman, served as the second governor of Sarawak. His wife described him as "gentle and devoted to his family". They have two children: a son, Abang Abdillah Izzarim, and a daughter, Dayang Norjihan.

Abang Johari enjoys home-cooked meals, with his preferred dish being "masak merah" chicken briyani rice. His son, Abang Abdillah Izzarim, works as a commercial and private pilot and has also become involved in technology and business. He leads several ventures in ASEAN and China and holds the position of executive chairman at AIZO Group Bhd (formerly known as Minetech Resources Bhd). At AIZO, he increased his shareholding to 16.338% and contributed to the company returning to profitability after nine quarters of losses, during which the company's shares increased.

Abang Johari is a football fan and supports Manchester United. He has mentioned his interest in the team and attended a match at Old Trafford. In his leadership approach, he uses football metaphors to illustrate values like teamwork, shared responsibility and leadership. He has drawn comparisons between Sarawak's economic restructuring efforts and the team's rebuilding process under a new management team under Sir Alex Ferguson. He emphasises the importance of a united and dependable team, locally known as the "Ngap Sayot" spirit, in supporting the state's development.

On 7 March 2022, Abang Johari tested positive for COVID-19.

Election results

Honours

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)

Honorary degrees

* :
** Honorary Doctorate in Business and Management from University of Technology Sarawak (2017)
** Honorary Doctorate in Economic Development Degree from Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (2019)
* :
** Honorary Doctorate of the University Award from Swinburne University of Technology (2019)

Notes

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Abang Abdul Rahman Johari
1950 births
Living people
20th-century Malaysian politicians
21st-century Malaysian politicians
Alumni of Brunel University London
Chief ministers of Sarawak
Commanders of the Order of the Defender of the Realm
Deputy chief ministers of Sarawak
Knights Commander of the Most Exalted Order of the Star of Sarawak
Knights Commander of the Order of the Star of Hornbill Sarawak
Knights Grand Commander of the Order of the Star of Hornbill Sarawak
Leaders of political parties in Malaysia
Malaysian Muslims
Malaysian politicians of Malay descent
Members of the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly
Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu politicians
Sarawak state ministers
Grand Commanders of the Order of Kinabalu