Abang Johari tells youth to prepare themselves to become tomorrow’s leaders

Abang Johari delivers his keynote address virtually at the Suara programme in Miri.

By Karen Bong

KUCHING, Jan 22: Young people must do their part to show they are prepared to lead in the new era.

To be the changemakers, Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg emphasised that this means young people need to live up to expectations.

“Looking at the development implemented in and planned for Sarawak until 2030, the youth will play more significant roles. Ten years down the road, the younger ones will be able to vote.

“Young people are the future so they must be ready, willing and able with the capacity. This means they need to develop a greater breadth of skills and knowledge to meet the demands of the new age including the digital economy.

“This is a new way to manage ourselves, our society and our country using advanced technologies,” he said in his keynote address at Yayasan Perpaduan Sarawak’s (YPS) Strength Through Unity, Alliance and Responsive Action (Suara) programme held in Miri today.

Abang Johari pointed out that opportunities are plenty but it requires young people to be prepared with a combination of qualities and be brave enough to act and pursue what they want in this globalised and borderless world.

In this new era, he said only the outstanding and good ones who are innovative, farsighted, visionary and bold will go far and thrive like the successful Chinese entrepreneur Jack Ma, who co-founded Alibaba.

As such, he commended YPS’ Suara programme as apt with Sarawak government’s inclusive and diverse policy that recognised the voices of the people including the youths at the table as vital for decision and policy-making.

“This is to make sure that whatever we do is in consonance with the aspirations of the young people. But what is also important is we must work together.

“As the pandemic improves, we can continue with our works to develop our State, our people and especially the youh because the future depends on them,” he said.

Abang Johari added that the future of Sarawak is bright as it is blessed with peace and harmony where people value tolerance, acceptance and understanding.

“Now I am the Chief Minister, but I am also getting old and will one day hand this role to the young ones so you must be ready and to be able to look after everybody, regardless of religion and race.

“I am confident you can do it. Your voice will continue to be amplified,” he added. — DayakDaily