00:00Who will succeed Abang Jo?
00:02After nearly a decade at the helm, Sarawak Premier Dan Sri Abang Johari Openg
00:08has signaled that it may be time for a new generation
00:11to take charge of Bharti Pesaka Bumi Putra Bersatu, or PBB.
00:15But who could take over?
00:17Abang Johari, fondly known as Abang Jo, became Sarawak's top leader in January 2017
00:23following the passing of Dan Sri Adenan Satem.
00:26He had already spent decades in politics, having entered the scene in 1977.
00:32Under his leadership, PBB became a key pillar of Gabongan Parti Sarawak,
00:38which won 76 out of 82 seats in the 2021 Sarawak state election.
00:44His administration has also pursued an ambitious development agenda
00:48while pushing for greater autonomy and control over Sarawak's resources.
00:53But at 76, Abang Jo has hinted that the coming state election could be his last as PBB President.
01:01So who could fill his shoes?
01:04Analysts have mentioned Deputy Premier Datuk Awang Tengah Ali Hassan and Datuk Douglas Ugah Embas
01:11as possible successes given their positions as PBB Deputy Presidents.
01:17Other names mentioned include Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Sri Fadila Yusuf and Sarawak Minister Datuk
01:24Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
01:26In recent years, Sarawak's chief ministers, including Dan Sri Adenan Satem,
01:32Doon Abdul Taik Mahmud and Doon Abdul Rahman Yaqub have also come from PBB.
01:37However, there is no clear frontrunner yet.
01:41Whoever takes over will have to preserve unity in PBB, secure the support of GPS component parties,
01:48and maintains Sarawak's development momentum and political stability.
01:53If appointed Premier, they will also need to maintain the state's good relationship with the federal government.
01:59Ultimately, the question is not just who succeeds Abang Jo,
02:04but whether PBB can successfully renew its leadership while ensuring Sarawak's continued progress.
