By Amanda L
KUCHING, Aug 9: The Sarawak United National Youth Organisation (Saberkas) needs its older members to help prepare its younger members for future leadership, with about 70 per cent of its membership comprising younger members and 30 per cent older members, says Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
“Younger members need time and guidance to gain experience before taking on greater responsibilities.
“By nature, when you are born, you learn to walk first. Then you learn to speak, after that you go to school, university and then work. You will know how life works and the discipline involved,” he said when officiating the 18th Triennial General Assembly of Saberkas Sarawak here today.
He added that the experience of older members could help younger leaders navigate those responsibilities, while younger members could contribute new knowledge and adapt to emerging technologies and changing circumstances.
His own experience in Saberkas, where he eventually succeeded the late Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud, also shaped his view of leadership succession.
He later recalled being asked to take over as Chief Minister following the death of the late Pehin Sri Adenan Satem in 2017, saying he accepted the responsibility with the support of other leaders, including Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and the wider coalition.
“The same approach could be applied within Saberkas, where older members could guide younger ones while giving them opportunities to take on greater responsibilities.
“The future is determined by God, but if you are guided by God, you are safe,” he said.
Abang Johari said Saberkas could continue bringing together members from different generations and backgrounds while giving young Sarawakians the experience needed to contribute to the State’s future. — DayakDaily
