By Adrian Lim
MIRI, Sept 19: Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg has announced his retirement from his position as the Sarawak United National Youth Organisation (Saberkas) president as he has reached the maximum age limit of the organisation.
Prior to the launching of the 16th Saberkas triennial general meeting, Abang Johari, 70, in his speech hoped the Saberkas would continue to prosper by practising inclusiveness and unity from members of various races and religions to bring Sarawak forward.
Abang Johari has helmed Saberkas for 11 years and will leave it to the members to identify his immediate successor.
“I have been with Saberkas for a long time and I have also served the party (Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu) for a long time.
“So far, I survived. Why? I leave it to God and we must be sincere.
“If we have personal interests too much, one cannot be focused. So we need to be sincere when serving.
“This is my departing word to you. But, I must be realistic because of my age.
“I leave it to the members to identify my successor. When the time is up, I hand over.
“Do not overstay like someone who is over 90 years old,” he told Saberkas members during its 16th triennial general meeting at a hotel here today.
Abang Johari expressed his appreciation to all Saberkas members and the leaders who gave him advice, support and cooperation throughout his years in Saberkas.
He added that he has a capable leader in deputy president Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah who assisted him in running the organisation.
Abang Johari hoped that Saberkas would be led by capable leaders to ensure the continuity of the organisation.
He is confident that Saberkas will produce credible leaders that follow the changing times and needs for the betterment of Sarawak.
Abang Johari also urged the leaders of Saberkas to understand the geopolitical situation in Sarawak in order to strategise in strengthening the security of the state.
Among those present at the meeting were Saberkas secretary general Shafie Ahmad, Minister of Transport Datuk Lee Kim Shin, Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister’s Department Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi, Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister’s Department (Law, State-Federal Relations and Project Monitoring) Datuk Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali, Assistant Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Sebastian Ting and Saberkas members. —DayakDaily
