Abang Johari banks hope on capable leadership and youth power
BINTULU: Sarawak is on the right track and the task ahead is to ensure there is no deviation.
“To make sure we remain on the right path, we must have futuristic leadership capable of systematic planning with no room for mistake,” said Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg during a Townhall session called ‘Today four Tomorrow or T4T) Berambeh Ngan Abang Jo held at Bintulu Civic Centre Friday night.
The chief minister said, going forward, potential young leaders need to be groomed up even as the current leadership lays the groundwork to determine the state’s future direction.
“Are you ready for the challenge? Are our youths ready to develop their talents?” he asked to a loud and reverberating “Yes!” from the 1,000-strong crowd that packed the hall.
Abang Johari said Sarawak has many major challenges ahead and called on the youths to work with the current leadership to overcome them.
“In today’s digital era, we are heading towards technology advancement. Twenty years ago, we didn’t have advanced technologies like we do now. Today, interaction between us has changed.
“The digital era can very well work against us, too. Truths can be distorted and lies can be presented as facts. But I believe in our Sarawak youths. I believe in your ability to see the lies for what they are worth.”
During the T4T session, Abang Johari also spoke at length on Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
Enthusiastic youths clapped and cheered each time the chief minister emphasised the need to defend the state’s rights as enshrined in the agreement.
Among those at the session were PBB Youth chief Gerald Rentap Jabu, Utilities Minister Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom, Bintulu MP cum Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) president Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, Petra Jaya MP Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, Minister in the Chief Minister’s Office (Integrity and Ombudsman) Jepak assemblyman Datuk Talib ZulPhilip and Sibuti MP Lukanisman Awang Sauni.
