By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Feb 15: Petroliam Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS) and Sarawak’s own Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros) must work together in the spirit of collaboration, not “makan seorang” (domination), as Sarawak is not stingy, declared Premier of Sarawak and Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) president Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Speaking at the opening of the 16th PBB Convention at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) today, he stressed that trustworthiness and integrity are the main challenges for leadership.
“We are not ‘lokek’ (stingy). With what we have, we share. It cannot be a ‘makan seorang’ (eat alone) mentality. PETRONAS and Petros must work together. Not PETRONAS only. This is based on the principle of collaboration,” he said.
Abang Johari stressed that while challenges exist, greed must not take precedence.
“Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) will share. As the Premier, I share with my colleagues in the Cabinet, I don’t make decisions on my own. There must be trustworthiness. Jangan depan lain, belakang lain (Don’t say one thing in front and another behind). Without trust, it will destroy our country. We don’t want that,” he asserted.
Expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for recognising Sarawak as the sole gas aggregator, Abang Johari noted that any arising issued can be resolved collaboratively.
“Transport Minister Anthony Loke and I had gave affirmation that matters can resolved by prioritising the interests of Sarawak and Malaysia,” he said.
He underscored GPS critical role in national politics, noting how leaders like Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, and Anwar had sought Sarawak’s support in forming the federal government.
“Without us, nanga rupa (just see what happens). But my priority is always Sarawak first,” he affirmed.
Abang Johari stressed the importance of preserving Sarawak’s unique culture of mutual respect within PBB and among its coalition partners—Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP), Progressive Democratic Party (PDP), and Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS).
“The real test is whether we can retain our culture of understanding and respect. In PBB, the two wings—Pesaka and Bumiputera—coexist in harmony. Like a bird, we need both wings to fly. This is our tradition, and it must be safeguarded for future generations,” he said.
He reiterated his commitment to Sarawak’s future, recalling his transition from the late Pehin Sri Adenan Satem and the duty to groom the next generation of leaders.
“Let PBB becomes the pillar. If you want to bersilat, do it in front, not at the back. So this is our way – through trust. We have to acknowledge the fact that we are getting old, so we must groom the young ones,” he added.
Addressing the importance of integrity, he noted that human temptation is the greatest challenge to upright leadership.
“When we die, we are wrapped in white cloth (in Islam) and take nothing with us—only our deeds remain. That is why PBB must continue to uphold strong values and principles.”
Abang Johari concluded by reaffirming PBB’s commitment to Sarawak’s prosperity within the framework of the Sarawak Constitution, Malaysia Constitution, and Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
“We are not demanding beyond what is enshrined in these three documents. We want Sarawak to take good care of Sarawak. When I took over from Adenan, I also reminded Sarawakians and leaders to do so, and whoever succeeds me must do the same.
“With this spirit, I am confident that Sarawak’s future is bright. PBB must remain the backbone of Sarawak’s progress,” he concluded. — DayakDaily
