By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, March 13: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has praised Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg for embracing a “creative destruction” approach in leadership by turning challenges into opportunities for development.
Anwar explained that creative destruction, an economic concept introduced by Austrian economist Joseph Schumpeter, refers to the idea that periods of destruction—such as world wars or the Covid-19 pandemic—can also present opportunities to rebuild more innovatively.
“I am not using this opportunity to praise my friend just because we are attending dinner tonight. But every time I come to Sarawak, there are always new ideas introduced by the Premier, and he pushes very strongly among his ministers, the civil service and the private sector.
“This is what we need—national leadership that emphasises creative destruction even in times of disruption, and does not simply say, ‘Oh no, oil prices have gone up, what will happen to our fate?’ If that is the attitude, then the fate will indeed not be good,” he said when speaking during the 2026 Madani breaking-of-fast event held at Masjid Jamek here this evening.
According to Anwar, Abang Johari’s mindset reflects the essence of creative destruction—using difficult circumstances as a foundation to rebuild in more innovative and effective ways.
“What Premier Abang Johari does is seek new pathways and initiatives to unravel problems creatively—building again from the destruction in innovative ways,” he added.
Anwar also noted Sarawak’s achievements and explorations in various sectors, including the electrical and electronics (E&E) industry through chip production in Sarawak.
“It is not only that Premier Abang Johari is pursuing these initiatives, but we can see him surpassing achievements and overtaking several other states. I congratulate him. Alhamdulillah, it makes us all proud,” he said.
However, Anwar emphasised that domestic resilience must also extend to other sectors such as agriculture and transportation.
“Domestic resilience must also exist in agriculture, transportation, and all other sectors. I am confident, God willing, if we have such spirit, there will be challenges, but we will be able to resolve them,” he emphasised. — DayakDaily
