Abang Johari | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| ابڠ عبدالرحمن زوهاري ابڠ اوڤيڠ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 Abang Johari in 2025 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 6thPremier of Sarawak[note 1] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Assumed office 13 January 2017 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Governor | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Deputies |
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| Preceded by | Adenan Satem (As Chief Minister) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 6th President ofParti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Assumed office 13 January 2017 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Deputies | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Preceded by | Adenan Satem | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1st Chairman ofGabungan Parti Sarawak | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Assumed office 12 June 2018 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Deputies | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Secretary-General | Alexander Nanta Linggi | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Preceded by | Position established | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Succeeded by | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Personal details | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Born | Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Abang Openg (1950-08-04)4 August 1950 (age 75) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Citizenship | Malaysia | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Party | Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (from 1977) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other political affiliations |
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| Spouse | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Relations |
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| Children | 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Parent | Abang Openg (father) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Residence | Satria Pertiwi Complex | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Education | Brunel University of London (MBA)[1] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Occupation | Politician | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Signature |  | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Website | premier | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Nickname | Abang Jo | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Abang Openg[note 2] (born 4 August 1950),[2] commonly known asAbang Johari orAbang Jo,[3] is a Malaysian politician who has served as the sixthpremier of Sarawak since 2017.[4] A president ofParti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu and the youngest son of the firstSarawak governor,Abang Openg, he representedGedong inSarawak State Legislative Assembly since 2021.
Born into a political family of Abang Openg inLimbang, Abang Johari graduated fromBrunel University of London with amaster's degree in businesses management. His political career began when he was elected as theSarawak State Legislative Assembly member forSatok in 1981, a seat he represented for four decades until 2021.[5] He later took over theGedong seat.[6] In January 2017, Abang Johari became chief minister after succeedingAdenan Satem,[7] a position later redefined as premier.
Under his leadership, Abang Johari has been a central figure of the Sarawak's political landscape, particularly following the formation ofGabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) in 2018, a coalition that emerged after breaking away fromBarisan Nasional (BN) alliance.[8][9] As the first chairman of GPS, he steered the coalition to alandslide victory in the2021 Sarawak state election, winning asupermajority of 76 out of 82 seats. At the federal level, GPS assumed the role of kingmaker in the formation ofPrime MinisterAnwar Ibrahim'sunity government following the2022 general election. Abang Johari has been seen as acentrist-centre-rightregionalist leader withsocial democratic andcommunitarian leanings. His leadership focused on inclusive development, stability and Sarawak's autonomy.
Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Abang Openg was born on 4 August 1950[10] in government quarters near Bukit Tasik Mas,Limbang,Sarawak.[11] He is the youngest of ten siblings born toAbang Openg Abang Sapiee and Dayang Masniah Abdul Rahman.[10] At the time of his birth, his father was serving as thedistrict officer of Limbang. Abang Johari was delivered by a local midwife named Mariam.[11] Due to frequent illness during infancy, his name was later changed from Abdul Rahman to include "Zohari" in accordance with local cultural beliefs.[11][12]
When Abang Johari was just over a year old, the family moved toKuching after his father was appointed actingResident, becoming the first Malay to hold a position traditionally reserved for Europeans.[11] He received his early education at Merpati Jepang Primary School in Kuching. He continued his studies at St. Thomas' Anglican Secondary School from 1962 to 1967, before transferring to St. Joseph's Secondary School, Kuching, aLa SallianCatholic institution.[13][14]
In 1963, Abang Johari's father was appointed the firstYang di-Pertua Negeri of Sarawak, playing a key role during the period surrounding Sarawak's entry intoMalaysia.[15] His father died in 1969 when he was 19 years old.
Abang Johari is a descendant of several historical Sarawakian figures, including Datu Patinggi Haji Abdul Gapor, a pre-Brooke era governor of Sarawak, as well asDatu Patinggi Ali and Raja Jarum. His ancestry traces back to Kuching through his paternal grandfather, Abang Sapiee Abang Omar.[16]
After finishing school, Abang Johari then worked withMalaysia Airlines as an executive officer.[1] He earned aMaster of Business Management degree fromHenley College,Brunel University.[10][17]
In the early 1970s,Sarawak had several active youth organisations, including the Federation of Sarawak Malay Youth Clubs, the Sarawak Youth Council, and theBidayuh Youth Club. In 1972, leaders from these groups formed the Sarawak United National Youth Organisation (SABERKAS).[17] During this time, Abang Johari was involved with SABERKAS. He also became affiliated withParti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB), a significant party within theBarisan Nasional (BN) coalition at both the federal and state levels. His formal political career began in 1977 when he was appointed youth chief of PBB.[18]
In 1981, following the resignation of theSatok state assemblyman, Abang Johari was invited by then Chief MinisterAbdul Rahman Ya'kub to contest the by-election.[19] Initially hesitant, he proposed his elder brother, Abang Abdul Karim, as a potential candidate; however, Rahman considered him too reserved for political life.[20] After receiving encouragement from his family, particularly his mother, Abang Johari agreed to run. He won the seat and entered the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly.[19] The following year, he was appointed principal political secretary to Chief MinisterAbdul Taib Mahmud.
After his1983 re-election, Abang Johari was appointed Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Community Development. In 1987, he became Minister of Industrial Development underAbdul Taib Mahmud's cabinet.[21] On 29 August 1998, at the triennial delegates' conference ofParti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) held at theOne Hotel Santubong Kuching Resort, Abang Johari was elected as the new deputy president of PBB for the former Bumiputera Party quota, defeatingAdenan Satem with 373 votes to 268. The incumbent,Abang Abu Bakar Abang Mustapha, who had held the position since 1986, received 27 votes. The election, officiated by Prime MinisterMahathir Mohamad, was conducted under tight security and amid tense conditions. Party leaders characterised the event as a family affair. Adenan was reported to have had the support of Chief MinisterAbdul Taib Mahmud. However, Taib denied this, stating that he saw himself as a father figure to all three prominent figures in the race – Abang Johari, Adenan andMohd Effendi Norwawi.[22]
In2001, Abang Johari took on the role of Minister of Tourism in 2000 and successfully defended his seat. In 2004, he was appointed Minister of Housing, retaining this position through the2006 state election. During his time there, he tackled major financial challenges when he was able to secure substantial federal allocation of RM200 million for affordable housing projects under theEighth andNinth Malaysia Plans within just two months in office.[23] He played a key role in introducing the People's Friendly Housing Scheme (RMR) to Sarawak, which helped rural villagers who owned land but lacked resources to build homes.[24] He promoted strong cooperation between the public and private sectors by creating special committees that continue to influence housing development in the state. From 2009 to 2011, Abang Johari served as Minister of Housing and Urbanisation. Following the2011 election, he returned as Minister of Tourism.[21] As tourism minister, Abang Johari identified disruptions in the aviation sector, such as changes in airline operators and theMalaysia Airlines-AirAsia share swap, as factors affecting tourism accessibility in Sarawak. He stated that these issues complicated efforts to set tourism targets and impacted domestic travel, particularly fromPeninsular Malaysia andSabah. In response, he expressed support for the idea of developingMASwings into a regional carrier to serve Sarawak, Sabah, theBIMP-EAGA region and selected Asian destinations.[25] He also acknowledged receiving a memorandum from tourism stakeholders requesting a formal aviation policy to address logistical challenges and support regional economic interests. He also highlighted the tourism potential of areas such as theBakun,Batang Ai andMurum dams,[26] noting their suitability for eco-tourism and film production. Sarawak's tourism development also included the promotion of international meetings and events through the Sarawak Convention Bureau (now 'Business Event Sarawak') and facilities like the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching.[27]
When Abdul Taib resigned as Chief Minister in 2014,[28] Abang Johari was considered a potential successor, butAdenan Satem was appointed instead.[28][29] Adenan and Abang Johari had a longstanding personal connection.[30] In 2016, after Barisan Nasional's victory,[31] Abang Johari was appointed Deputy Chief Minister[32] and held the portfolios of Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, and Minister of Housing and Urbanisation.[33][34]
On 11 January 2017, six months after the state election, Adenan died of aheart attack at the Sarawak Heart Centre inKota Samarahan.[35][36] His death was announced by Abang Johari at a press conference,[37] during which he provided information about the funeral arrangements. Following Adenan's death, Abang Johari,Douglas Uggah Embas andAwang Tengah Ali Hasan were identified as possible successors due to their positions as deputy presidents of the ruling party.[38] The party delayed discussions on the appointment of a new chief minister during the mourning period.[39][30]
Abang Johari was unanimously nominated by PBB leaders and officially appointed by GovernorAbdul Taib Mahmud as the new chief minister, with the swearing-in ceremony held at the Astana on 13 January 2017..[9][8][40] The transition proceeded without internal conflict, with senior leaders including Awang Tengah,James Jemut Masing and Uggah expressing support for Abang Johari and affirming that Adenan's 53 policy initiatives, including matters such as oil royalties, would be continued.[41] After taking office, Abang Johari made public statements regarding his predecessor and indicated that he would retain much of the previous cabinet lineup.[42][43][44] In May 2017, approximately five months after assuming the role, he appointed Awang Tengah Ali Hasan as deputy chief minister, filling a position that had remained vacant since his own appointment.[45]
In March 2017, during his first international official visit toChina as chief minister, Abang Johari led a Sarawak state delegation toBeijing with the goal of enhancing international cooperation in tourism and economic development. A key highlight of the visit was the signing of a MoU between the Sarawak Economic Development Corporation and Beijing Glory International Culture Development Co Ltd. The MoU outlines several areas of collaboration, including positioningKuching as aSoutheast Asia hub forChina Express Airlines, partnering with Beijing Glory for the management of hotels and national parks in Sarawak, expanding tourism connectivity with markets in China,South Korea andJapan, and rebranding Sarawak's tourism assets to attract more international visitors. The visit also included stops inKunming,Hong Kong, andGuangzhou to identify further partnership opportunities.[46][47]
During the "Lan Berambeh Anak Sarawak UK-Edition" event inLondon on 3 May 2025, Abang Johari introduced a development roadmap extending to 2035. The event also marked the start of an annual international engagement platform aimed at connecting with the Sarawakian diaspora and enhancing global visibility for the state.
Abang Johari's economic strategy prioritized revenue growth, diversification and sustainable development. From 2017 to 2024,Sarawak's state revenue increased from RM5.6 billion to RM14.2 billion, with projections reaching RM20 billion by 2025.[48] The additional revenue allowed for expanded budgets and state-led development initiatives.[49][50][51] To reduce dependence on federal funding, theDevelopment Bank of Sarawak (DBOS) was created as a state-controlled infrastructure financing vehicle.
Diversification focused on attracting high-value investments. Between 2021 and 2023, Sarawak approved RM21.5 billion in investments and created around 11,000 jobs.[50] Key sectors includedrenewable energy (especiallyhydropower andhydrogen),semiconductors,aerospace anddigital services. Asovereign wealth fund was also introduced to manage excess revenue and support future investment.
The Sarawak Digital Economy Strategy focused ondigital infrastructure,e-commerce growth and innovation. Hydrogen production and exports, including international cooperation with countries likeJapan, formed a core part of Sarawak's green energy plan.[52][50][53]Sustainability was integrated into infrastructure development,[53] which included 31,000 km of roads, majorbridges,airport upgrades and broader utility access.[52]
Support forsmall and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) included financing, training and expanded market access. Workforce development policies emphasized industry-alignededucation, withfree education starting in 2025.[54][50][55]
ThePost-COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 outlined a model for sustainable, inclusive growth.[53][56] According to theWorld Bank, Sarawak achievedhigh-income status ahead of the 2030 target.[57] Throughout, economic planning remained focused on resilience and long-term adaptability.[58][54][59]
From 4 to 5 May 2025 inToulouse, France, Abang Johari witnessed the signing of a joint venture agreement between Malaysia'sAIROD and France's SATYS, a company specialising in aerospace surface treatment and painting services. The agreement supports the development of Sarawak's air transport sector and involves discussions with ATR and Airbus on the use of energy-efficient turboprop aircraft for rural air services in Sarawak. These talks included plans for technology transfer and workforce training in aviation. On 7 May inAbu Dhabi, Abang Johari witnessed the signing of a strategic partnership between Bintulu Port Holdings Berhad andAD Ports Group. The agreement sets the stage for collaboration in maritime logistics, infrastructure development and trade facilitation. The Premier also visitedZayed International Airport to study the port and airport models in Abu Dhabi, which guided the future development of Sarawak's logistics and transportation infrastructure.
On 1 May 2025, Abang Johari held meetings with theInternational Hydropower Association (IHA) and the Global Renewables Alliance (GRA) focused on expanding Sarawak's renewable energy initiatives. In addition tohydropower, Sarawak is exploringsolar energy,hydrogen production and advancedenergy storage solutions, aligning with international goals for carbon reduction and energy transition. The following day, Sarawak began reviewing the carbon levy frameworks used inScotland and the widerUK to inform its own approach to managing carbon-related revenues. The focus is on creating an equitable revenue-sharing and regulatory model that can support emerging sectors such ascarbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS).
The state government under the leadership of Abang Johari implemented various social policies focused onreligious inclusivity,[60]indigenous rights,social welfare,education andinfrastructure development. In 2017, the government established the Other Religious Affairs Unit (UNIFOR) to support non-Muslim communities.[61][62][63] This unit, led by Deputy PremierDouglas Uggah Embas,[64] manages state funding for maintaining places of worship across multiple religions and promotes religious harmony.[65] Abang Johari publicly emphasized freedom of religion and expressed opposition to the national implementation ofhudud law, citing concerns about potential discrimination against non-Muslims.[66][67] He has always reminded the non-Muslims in Sarawak that they are allowed to use the word "Allah" at any time,[68][69] saying that "it's not human beings who judge themselves as pious but it is God".[70] The UNIFOR Complex inKuching, a multi-purpose facility for social and religious activities, is scheduled to open in early 2025.
Several social welfare programs were introduced, includingmedical aid for seniors (RM500), anendowment for newborns (RM1,000), post-natal allowances for Sarawakian mothers (RM450), basic needs assistance, pocket money for tertiary students (RM1,200), free laptops and book vouchers.[65] Starting in 2026, the state plans to provide free university education at state-owned institutions without bonding or mobility restrictions.
At the Asean Sarawak Business and Economic Forum 2025, Abang Johari was conferred the 2024 World Outstanding Muslim Leader of the Year Award.[71]
Sarawak retainedEnglish as a medium of instruction in its education system and focused on improving quality and access. Infrastructure projects aimed to reduce rural-urban disparities through improvements toroads,bridges,water supply andelectrification.[65] The government has also supported initiatives related todigital economy andgreen economy development.[65]
On 30 April 2025, inLondon andCambridge, Abang Johari witnessed the signing of a service contract betweenCambridge University Press and Assessment and Swinburne Innovation Malaysia. The agreement supports standardised assessments for Sarawak's Dual Language Programme (DLP), beginning with Year 6 students in October 2025. The following day, Abang Johari held discussions withLarry Kramer, president and vice-chancellor of theLondon School of Economics (LSE), exploring collaborations in public policy, economics and sustainability. These engagements reflect Sarawak's efforts to align local education standards with global benchmarks and strengthen policy development capacity.
In September 2017, Abang Johari visitedEstonia in an effort to advance Sarawak's digital development by learning from countries with established digital systems. During the visit, he examined Estonia's digital infrastructure, including its nationwide high-speed internet supported by undergroundfiber-optic networks, decentralised service delivery and integrated electronic payment systems. These features have played a central role in Estonia's approach toe-government and public service efficiency.[72] The visit provided insights for Sarawak's own digital transformation efforts, including the enhancement of the Sarawak Pay platform and broader initiatives in digital governance. Discussions during the trip also opened potential areas for collaboration between Sarawak and Estonia in fields such as digital public services, smart infrastructure and technology-driven governance.[73]
In April 2025, Abang Johari visitedCardiff, Wales, where he launched KETEQ AI, the world's firstAI-poweredpower conversion device, developed entirely by Sarawakian engineers. Hosted at the CSACatapult facility, the launch is a milestone under the Sarawak Semiconductor Roadmap 2030. It signals Sarawak's growing focus on deep-tech innovation and its shift from a resource-based to a knowledge-driven economy.
After the 2018general election, theGabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS)-led state government pushed for moreautonomy.[52] One outcome was Sarawak gaining exclusive control over buying and selling its ownnatural gas — a key step towardfiscal independence.[48]
Abang Johari's administration focused on protecting Native Customary Rights (NCR) land, launching a land survey program in 2020 to document indigenous land ownership. Efforts were made to support cultural development for ethnic groups including theDayak people[65] andMalay people communities, such as the establishment of the Wisma Melayu Sarawak building.[74][75][76]
Abang Johari married Juma'ani Tuanku Bujang on 26 February 1977.[77] Juma'ani's father,Tuanku Bujang, served as the secondgovernor of Sarawak.[78] The couple were introduced through a family arrangement, as both their families shared a historical and familial bond. Tuanku Bujang and Abang Johari's father,Abang Openg, were related through maternal lineage. Their first meeting took place during a family gathering inKuching, after which both families agreed to unite them in marriage.[23] Together, they had two children: a son, Abang Abdillah Izzarim, and a daughter, Dayang Norjihan.[77]
Abang Johari enjoys home-cooked meals, with his preferred dish being "masak merah" chicken briyani rice.[23] He is afootball fan and supportsManchester United. He has attended a match atOld Trafford and often uses football metaphors in his leadership approach to illustrate values like teamwork, shared responsibility and leadership. He compared Sarawak's economic restructuring to the rebuilding of the Manchester United team underSir Alex Ferguson,[79] emphasising the "Ngap Sayot" spirit as essential to the state's development.[80]
His son, Abang Abdillah Izzarim, works as a commercial and privatepilot and is involved in technology and business. He leads several ventures inASEAN andChina, and serves as executive chairman at AIZO Group Bhd (formerly Minetech Resources Bhd).[81] At AIZO, he increased his shareholding to 16.338% and helped the company return to profitability after nine quarters of losses, during which the company's shares increased.[82]
In March 2022, Abang Johari tested positive forCOVID-19[83] with mild symptoms and underwent a five-day home quarantine. Health authorities placed him under Category 2A, which includes minor symptoms like sore throat, mild cough or fatigue.[84]
In June 2025, Juma'ani died from health complications at the age of 76.[85][86]
| Year | Constituency | Candidate | Votes | Pct | Opponent(s) | Votes | Pct | Ballots cast | Majority | Turnout | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1981 | N06Satok | Abang Johari (PBB)[note 3] | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | ||
| 1983 | Abang Johari (PBB) | N/A | 86.20% | Abang Ariffin Abang Sebli (BERSATU) | N/A | 13.80% | N/A | N/A | N/A | |||
| 1987 | Abang Johari (PBB) | N/A | 69.62% | Wan Ali Tengku Madhi (PERMAS) | N/A | 29.78% | N/A | N/A | N/A | |||
| N/A (BERSATU) | N/A | 0.60% | ||||||||||
| 1991 | Abang Johari (PBB) | 5,550 | 84.37% | Faisal Othman (PERMAS) | 1,028 | 15.63% | 6,578 | 4,522 | 62.50% | |||
| 1996 | Abang Johari (PBB) | 6,628 | 89.13% | Sharkawi Faisal Othman (IND) | 808 | 10.87% | 7,436 | 5,820 | 60.91% | |||
| 2001 | Abang Johari (PBB) | 4,830 | 71.02% | Zulrusdi Mohamad Hol (PKR) | 1,971 | 28.98% | 6,801 | 2,859 | 63.01% | |||
| 2006 | N08Satok | Abang Johari (PBB) | 4,222 | 74.78% | Mohamad Jolhi (PKR) | 1,424 | 25.22% | 5,646 | 2,798 | 53.88% | ||
| 2011 | Abang Johari (PBB) | 4,691 | 71.27% | Ahmad Nazib Johari (PKR) | 1,891 | 28.73% | 6,582 | 2,800 | 64.39% | |||
| 2016 | Abang Johari (PBB) | 6,854 | 79.12% | Mohammad Salleh Shawkatali (PKR) | 1,809 | 20.88% | 8,663 | 5,045 | 64.97% | |||
| 2021 | N26Gedong | Abang Johari (PBB) | 4,310 | 81.88% | Mohamad Sofian Fariz Sharbini (PSB) | 703 | 13.35% | 5,264 | 3,607 | 73.05% | ||
| Kamal Bujang (AMANAH) | 94 | 1.79% | ||||||||||
| Tomson Ango (PBK) | 157 | 2.98% | ||||||||||
Malaysia-_PMN.svg)
Commander of theOrder of the Defender of the Realm (PMN) –Tan Sri (2021)[91][92]
Recipient of the17th Yang di-Pertuan Agong Installation Medal
Sarawak_-_1._Knight_Grand_Commander_(DP).svg)
Knight Grand Commander of theOrder of the Star of Hornbill Sarawak (DP) –Datuk Patinggi (2017)[93]_-_2._Knight_Commander_(DA).svg)
Knight Commander of theOrder of the Star of Hornbill Sarawak (DA) –Datuk Amar (2008)[94]
Knight Commander of theMost Exalted Order of the Star of Sarawak (PNBS) –Dato Sri (1990)[95][96].png)
Companion of theMost Exalted Order of the Star of Sarawak (JBS) (1985)
Sabah
Grand Commander of theOrder of Kinabalu (SPDK) –Datuk Seri Panglima (2024)[97][98]
Brunei.svg)
First Class of theOrder of Setia Negara Brunei (PSNB) –Dato Seri Setia (2024)[99]
Japan
2nd Class of theOrder of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star (2025)[100]Malaysia
Australia...the appointment of Abang Johari, or Abang Jo, as he is affectionately known...
...the nine-term Satok assemblyperson...
...Abang Johari who is the president of Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB)...
...Abang Johari has been involved in politics since 1977...
... was speaking at a ceremony to confer a honorary doctorate from the University College Of Technology Sarawak (UCTS) on him ...
| Political offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by | 6thChief Minister of Sarawak 2017–2022 | Position abolished Became Premier of Sarawak |
| New office Previously Chief Minister of Sarawak | Premier of Sarawak 2022– | Incumbent |
