by DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Nov 26: Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has described the conferment of the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star by Emperor Naruhito as a historic recognition of more than three decades of cooperation he helped cultivate between Sarawak and Japan.
He said the honour reflects Japan’s appreciation for Sarawak’s long-standing collaboration with the country, noting that the Japanese government had kept detailed records of his contributions, including his role in bringing major companies such as Toko Electronics (Sarawak) Sdn Bhd and Taiyo Yuden (Sarawak) Sdn Bhd to the Samajaya Industrial Zone during his tenure as Minister of Industrial Development.
The Premier also noted that Japan has recorded his early involvement in strengthening bilateral economic ties through the Malaysia–Japan Economic Association (MAJECA) and the Japan–Malaysia Economic Association (JAMECA), as well as his efforts to support reforestation collaborations between the Sarawak and Japanese governments.
“That’s when I realised, it’s been over 30 years. If I wasn’t the Premier of Sarawak today, I think I might not have received the award,” he said, as reported by the Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas).
Abang Johari added that Japan acknowledged contributions he had long forgotten, including initiatives that helped pave the way for future cooperation, particularly in the hydrogen sector involving companies such as Mitsubishi and Sumitomo.
“The Japanese side explained to me that this was something that had been contributed which I had forgotten but the Japanese side had the record,” he shared during a dialogue session at the Leadership Soirée Dinner (Sarawak Women of Tomorrow 2025) last night.
The Premier admitted he initially questioned why he was being considered for the prestigious award, which is typically reserved for national-level leaders.
However, he said the Japanese government emphasised that its decision was based on his sustained contributions over the past three decades. – DayakDaily
